Lompoc Aquatic Center Certifies New Lifeguards

High schoolers, adults, and those looking to swim safely this summer are jumping in at the Lompoc Aquatic Center are getting lifeguard certified.

Jeff Storie, Lompoc’s Aquatic Center supervisor, said “The Red Cross lifeguard training that we do here is to help prevent and provide training for young lifeguards, to help people around the water, make sure that they participate in activities that are safe.”

The aquatic center is open year round for avid swimmers, but this is the time of year when numerous teens are looking to become lifeguards and Lompoc offers certifications you can’t find just anywhere.

“We are one of the few facilities in the area that does lifeguard training WSI, which is water safety instructions,” explained Storie.

Students like Bryce Mindoro, Lompoc High School senior, are hoping to get a job this summer helping people stay say in the water.

Mindoro said, “I’m in the aquatics program at Lompoc High so I just decided to make my job cooperate with my activities at school.”

The aquatic center takes the training and certification process very seriously, making sure the new lifeguards realize the importance of their jobs.

Storie said, “Understanding the responsibilities of the fact that they truly are in charge of lives in their rotation, in their zones, every day that they walk on to the deck.”

Not only does the training teach specific water skills, it can apply to everyday life.

“I think everybody should know how to give CPR, just in case of any emergency wherever you’re at,” explained Mindoro.

After 25 hours of classroom lectures, water rescues, and advanced first aid training the new lifeguards will be ready with life-saving techniques.

For information on the lifeguard training program click here.