Learn How to Respond to Aquatic Emergencies Take a Red Cross Lifeguarding Class
News Release: May 16, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

With the summer quickly approaching, the need for American Red Cross certified lifeguards intensifies.

"Being a Red Cross-trained lifeguard is a great way to save lives," said Joy Zukauskas, director-Health & Safety Services. "Young people can gain valuable work skills and life experience and work as lifeguards through high school and college. For retired adults or those looking for a meaningful way to spend their free time, lifeguarding presents a great opportunity to remain active and physically fit."

The Lifeguarding course teaches candidates the skills and knowledge needed by professional lifeguards to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies at swimming pool facilities through classroom learning and hands-on practice.

Candidates must be at least 15 years old before the final day of class, successfully complete a skills pre-test on the first day of class and attend each scheduled class in order to qualify for certification.

The American Red Cross will hold Lifeguarding classes on the following dates and locations: June 4-7, 11-14, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Heil Pool, Easton; June 4-8, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and June 11-15, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Muhlenberg College, Allentown; June 8, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., June 9-10, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and June 11-15, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Coplay Borough Pool, Coplay; June 18-22, from 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. and June 25-29, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Emmaus Community Pool, Emmaus. Participants must attend each session for a scheduled class in order to qualify for certification. Fee is $155.

Lifeguarding Review classes will be held at Muhlenberg College in Allentown on the following dates: June 4-8, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and June 11-15, from noon -4 p.m. Participants must show proof of prior certification. Please call the Red Cross for details. Fee is $130.

A Lifeguard Management course will be held on June 4 and 6, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Fee is $50. A Water Safety Today class will be held on June 13 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Fee is $20. Both courses will take place at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem.

Register today; space is limited. You can register by phone at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247; online at www.redcrosslv.org; or in person at the Red Cross office, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is payable by check to "American Red Cross" or credit card (MasterCard, VISA or American Express).

For more information about other Red Cross courses, call (610) 865-4400, ext. 247 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 800,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.