Thursday, June 26, 2008 - P&R Offers New Jr. Lifeguard Program July 12-Aug. 2

The St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a new Junior Lifeguard program, starting Saturday, July 12 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Paradise Park Pool, 2020 Juanita Ave.

This program will help swimmers improve their skills and get ready to become a lifeguard. Candidates must bring a swimsuit and be able to swim (front crawl) one length of the pool, tread water one minute, swim underwater 10 feet and be at least 11 years old. The program exposes students to future job opportunities and helps give them the skills they need once they are old enough to take the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. It does not guarantee future employment as a lifeguard with the county or other agencies.

There will be a tryout on the first day of class. For those that do not pass the tryout, the Parks and Recreation Department has other opportunities to help build swimming skills for next year's tryouts.

The Junior Lifeguard Program runs Saturdays through Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. - noon. (The July 12 class will run an hour longer.) The cost to participate is $41; however, there is a discounted rate of $10 for those that qualify for a scholarship through the American Red Cross and United Way. The deadline to sign up is July 9.

On the last day of the program, the group will go on a field trip and have a cookout at Pepper Park Beach. The event will end at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 2.

For more information please call the Open Space Pool at (772) 462-3093 or (772) 634-2773. The Open Space Pool is located on Ave. M and 13th Street and open Monday - Friday from 1 - 7 p.m. and Saturday from 1 - 5 p.m.