Red Cross sponsors aquatics institute
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on March 9, 2004 1:57 PM
The Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Goldsboro Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor their second annual aquatics institute March 26 through 28 and April 16 through 18.
It will be held Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the community building. Participants must attend both weekends to be certified.
Cindy Bell, Red Cross director, said the institute is one of only two in eastern North Carolina.
It will include three classes -- lifeguard training, lifeguard training instructor and water safety instructor. The lifeguard training course will provide skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. It includes topics such as first aid and CPR.
The lifeguard training instructor class teaches the basics needed to be able to train other lifeguards. It includes such topics as CPR, first aid, lifeguard instructor aid and community water safety.
The water safety instructor class trains instructor candidates to teach the infant and preschool aquatic program, the seven levels of the Learn to Swim Program, community water safety and water safety instructor aid courses.
Red Cross instructors will teach the classes.
Those completing the aquatics institute will receive a Red Cross certification card.
"We are holding the aquatics institute because we have a lot of pools and water in our areas," said Mrs. Bell. "And lifeguarding promotes water safety.
"Lifeguarding classes develop a leadership responsibility as well as lifeguarding skills. These are good tools for all young people. The institute also gives young people the opportunity for a good summer job."
Gail Charles, superintendent of recreation with the Parks and Recreation Department, said the aquatics institute gives participants instruction in a concentrated amount of time. "Instead of going to classes for five weeks, they can do it in two weekends through the institute."
The cost of the institute is $400. Mrs. Bell said there are several scholarships available to participants through the Red Cross.
The deadline for registering for the aquatics institute is March 22. Anyone wanting to participate or apply for a scholarship should contact the Red Cross office at 735-7201.