As summer approaches and temperatures soar past 90 degrees, local pools are gearing up for an influx of swimmers seeking relief from the heat. Yet without lifeguards, many of these pools may not openor stay openfor long. To address this, the Aquatics Center is stepping up by offering certified training courses for potential lifeguards in the Huntsville area.

Training to Save Lives

The lifeguard certification course is a training and certification course taught by a certified American Red Cross instructor, said Masika-Joy Peifer, Aquatics Manager at the center. It prepares potential lifeguards to prevent, protect and respond to aquatic emergencies.

The urgency of training new lifeguards cannot be overstated. According to Stop Drowning Now, an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown annually in the United Statesroughly 10 per day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4.

In response, the Aquatics Centers course includes robust instruction in first aid, CPR, and AED use, along with rescue techniques and water safety skills. This comprehensive preparation is aimed not only at protecting swimmers on Redstone Arsenal but also throughout the broader Huntsville community.

Course Details and Certification

Successful students will earn American Lifeguard USA lifeguard certification, which qualifies them to work at most aquatics facilities nationwidealthough a job at Redstone Arsenal is not guaranteed.

The course follows a blended learning model, with online instruction starting April 14, followed by in-person training on:

• April 25 (5:00 8:30 p.m.)

• April 26 (9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.)

• April 27 (9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.)

Students must be 15 years old by the final day of the course to participate. Participants should bring lunch for the full-day sessions; kitchen amenities are available on-site.

Cost and Registration

The total cost of the course is $250, payable after passing the initial in-person skills test on April 25. No fees will be charged if the student fails this test. However, once paid, the fee is non-refundable. Registration begins in-person at the Aquatics Center on March 24, with limited slots available.

The initial assessment includes:

• A 300-yard swim using freestyle and breaststroke

• A timed rescue drill involving a 10-pound brick retrieval

• A two-minute tread without hands

Attendance at all in-person sessions is mandatory for certification.

Local Demand for Lifeguards

As lifeguard shortages continue nationwide, the need for trained personnel is evident across local jurisdictions. Huntsvilles Parks and Recreation Department, Madison County Commission, and dozens of community and private pools are all seeking seasonal lifeguards.

Wages vary by role and hours but typically range from $12.20 to $16.61 per hour in the Huntsville region.

Additional Insights: Why Lifeguard Training Matters

• Public Health & Safety: Lifeguards are often the first line of defense during aquatic emergencies, making their presence essential at any public or private pool.

• Youth Employment Opportunity: Lifeguarding is an accessible job option for teens and young adults, offering both income and valuable life-saving skills.

• Community Education: Promoting water safety awareness through lifeguard education can reduce preventable tragedies at pools, lakes, and beaches.

• Response Readiness: Courses like these strengthen the communitys overall emergency response capacity by ensuring CPR and first aid skills are more widely held.

By investing in high-quality lifeguard training now, the Aquatics Center is actively safeguarding the community for the hot months ahead.

Author Bio

Avani James is a writer who covers community development, youth empowerment, and public safety programs. He explores how local initiatives and training opportunities can shape healthier, safer cities.