Saturday, April 18, 2009

Jobs!

Summer jobs for teens may be hard to come by this year, but if your teen swims, and you live close to a water park or pool, now's the time to apply! Waterparks (such as Soak City and Raging Waters) need lots of employees, especially lifeguards. Hiring age is usually 16 and the parks provide free training which will result in certification and employment. Ellis often trains for waterparks while municipal pool lifeguards usually complete Red Cross Certification. Be prepared. Your teen swimmer should take the time to read the requirements (to become a certified lifeguard) then apply! Remember, you don't have to be the fastest swimmer on the high school swim team to become a lifeguard. The techniques used to save a swimmer in distress are specialized and learning them will promote self-confidence and self-esteem in your teen (in addition to monetary compensation;) Waterparks are wonderful training grounds for first-year lifeguards, but if your teen prefers to work at a municipal pool, completing a RedCross lifeguarding class is an option. Municipal pools usually pay higher wages than waterparks too. In addition, completion of a WSI (Water Safety Instruction) course and reaching age 17 will qualify your lifeguard to teach swim classes (higher pay scale). Training is often available through your local pool. SIGN UP! (And start searching the job listings too!)