Pool trains new lifeguards for fall programs

The Terrace Aquatic Centre reopened September 28 with six newly hired lifeguards to fill out fall programming.

JACKIE LIEUWEN PHOTO  New lifeguards Sophia Zanardo, Thomas Christensen, Zachary Pflum, Harlene Takhar, Megan Walbauer, Anke Wit and Bronson Johnson show off the rope swing at the Aquatic Centre. The swing was relocated during the recent pool closure to a spot where it can provide a lot more fun to local swimmers.

JACKIE LIEUWEN PHOTO New lifeguards Sophia Zanardo, Thomas Christensen, Zachary Pflum, Harlene Takhar, Megan Walbauer, Anke Wit and Bronson Johnson show off the rope swing at the Aquatic Centre. The swing was relocated during the recent pool closure to a spot where it can provide a lot more fun to local swimmers.

The Terrace Aquatic Centre reopened September 28 with six newly hired lifeguards to fill out fall programming.

On Saturday, September 26, the pool’s new and seasoned lifeguards took the first half of their annual pre-opening training from Head Lifeguard Instructor Debbie van’t Kruis.

They learned the pool expectations, requirements, policies and procedures, and ran through a safety orientation.

They will do the second half of their training, practising water rescue and first aid later this month, said Aquatic Manager Michael Carlyle.

With 19 lifeguards on staff now, they would like another four to complement the team, said City of Terrace Corporate Administrator Alicia Thompson.

Ten people in Terrace took the lifeguard development programs this summer, which prepares people for the certification courses and will start again October 5.

Looking to get more certified lifeguards, the pool is also offering the bronze combination course on Sundays October 18 to December 6, said Carlyle.

The course is the first certified step towards becoming a lifeguard, and is followed by a first aid course and National Lifeguard course, which will both be offered in Terrace.

To work at the Terrace pool, Carlyle says lifeguards also need to take the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course.

The aim is to offer all those courses in Terrace by September 2016, said Carlyle.

 

Terrace Standard