“Safety doesn’t allow for cutting corners,” head instructor Jason Maier said regarding the importance of the Red Cross lifeguard certification program.
This March, students from ELHS took up the challenge to become lifeguard certified. This process required 30 hours of classes, a $395 fee, and incredible willpower. The total of five classes lasted for two weeks, March 6 through March 21, 4-8 p.m. on Fridays, and 8-5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Students not only attended the classes, but in some cases, previously certified students returned to the program to work alongside instructors. The employed students managed the ELHS pool where the classes were held. They enforced pool rules, directed participants to designated lanes, and made sure everything ran smoothly for members, directors, and organizers. Students involved with the program—both current participants and those working— encouraged collaboration and productive contributions to the community.
“It’s really flexible. You can pick up shifts through a group chat and work for even just a few hours. Everyone’s friends, so it makes the job really enjoyable,” senior Elsie Jacobitz said. She’s worked with the program for multiple years after her own certification in her sophomore year. For her, the experience led to an even longer-term opportunity that went beyond a typical lifeguard job.
The goal of the training program is not only to enable students to know proper lifeguarding procedures, but also to create a sense of self-assurance and the ability to take the correct action under different scenarios. Lifeguarding requires taking responsibility for others’ safety, which comes from identifying risks before they escalate and remaining calm during stressful situations. To become certified, students must complete all in-person classes, in addition to an online portion. This ensures a complete understanding of both hands-on practice and logical comprehension.
Leadership is critical and prominent in this role through technical skills, teamwork, and quick, but deliberate decision-making. The students consistently practice these skills throughout the course, which will remain valuable in any future career path. Beyond physical strength and endurance, the course encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving in high-intensity situations.
Physically, students train their swimming strength, learn the physics of water rescue, the biology of CPR, and the legalities of care. Mentally, students improve their quick thinking and immediate responses. Most importantly, according to Mr. Maier, they learned that “discipline and preparation are what bridge the gap between a potential tragedy and a successful rescue.” This reinforces the goals of the program and the importance of consistency and accountability.
Although the course could feel challenging and potentially draining, students gained the unique opportunity to hold a job in which they have the top authority, a position that is uncommon with school-age jobs.
“I’m not going to lie. The sessions were difficult. [We spent] hours in the pool and [were] coming home late on school nights. I was able to push through because I knew the training would pay off, and I knew I would get the opportunity to work an important job this summer,” freshman Olivia Van De Rijn said.
The program rigorously aims to train to the American Red Cross gold standard, since this line of work can put students in a position to make life-or-death decisions. Though rare, some students fail to meet the proper requirements and maturity needed for the position. The program treats it as a means of supporting further growth.
As for those who received certification, many paths are available to follow. Some go on to work in local recreational facilities, such as community pools, while others work at local summer camps and summer clubs. Most commonly, students will use their certification to work at a local, state-operated beach or become lifeguards at East Lyme Aquatics Center.
Certification can contribute to students’ success in career paths like healthcare and emergency services, and add to their resumes. The CPR and AED training are a few steps required before becoming an EMT, and leadership skills are important for any role in healthcare. When students can take control and make quick decisions, they are ready to be leaders in the community.
Ultimately, every person who earns the whistle gains more than a job opportunity. They are encouraged to take action with confidence. Long after the course is completed, participants hold skills that extend beyond the pool and into their everyday lives.
