GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – It’s pool season and everyone is excited to get swimming and have some summer fun! Unfortunately, some area pools are in dire need of lifeguards. Here, are some details for applying and the services available.
Lifeguards are certified by the Red Cross class certifications in Greenbrier County, instructed by third-party individuals. There are other organizations online that can provide training but for the most part, it is the Red Cross certifications that are most readily available locally. The cost to get certified is usually around $250 for a one-week class. Training includes watching informative videos, practicals (all your Personal Protection Equipment is supplied to you), and hands-on training, as well as written tests. Not only are teenagers prime targets for employment, but anyone with spare time and the willingness to care for others is all that’s needed to become a lifeguard. Think you’re not a strong swimmer? Many do, but this class can help you with that as well.
The schedule for most testing/training, as of now is Thursdays and Fridays 6-9 p.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., May 23-26, 2024. You must be at least 15 years old to apply. Practicals are generally held at the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center, but other locations are available. The certification is valid for two years at which point, a re-certification is required, at a nominal fee. The last chance for lifeguard recertification this season is June 2.
For all info, text Dana Perry at 304-667-3065. In the training, participants will be taught how to use an AED. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and is fairly simple to use. You will be skilled in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating) and rescue situations. All of your equipment is included in the cost.
Swim classes are also available for all age groups at the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center and you can sign up by texting Dana Perry at 304-667-3065. The Aquatic Center is located at 896 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901, and can be reached at 681-484-7037.
Individual pool information: Western Greenbrier Pool at Rainelle304-573-7231. The hours are 12-6 p.m., seven days per week. The cost is $6 per person, and children aged 3 and under are free.
White Sulphur Springs Pool. Call304-536-1454 (City Hall). The hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Wednesday and Thursday. The cost is $6 per person and children aged 3 and under are free.
Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center681-48-7037.Call for details and scholarship info available for discounted memberships.
Ronceverte Island Park Splash Pad.Ronceverte City Hall 304-647-5455 (call for info or private parties). Hours are Monday-Thursday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The pool opens on May 30.
Pool at Harts Run. Call 304-536-1944. The hours have not been updated for 2024, but in previous years hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Trainers/Instructors are also needed.
Please contact your local Red Cross branch at 1-800-733-2767, or text Dana Perry at 304-667-3237 who is a provider and has a page called ‘Swim Gals’ on Facebook for questions or for more information on how to sign up to be a lifeguard or trainer. You may also contact the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center for information or questions. To see what information is available at The Red Cross, go to https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class. Enter your location in the boxes to be directed to your area courses.
