DELPHOS — St. John’s High School senior Katie Grothouse fills her summer at the swimming pool, but this 17-year-old’s job is no picnic.
Lifeguards at the Delphos City Pool face extensive and ongoing training that is regulated by the Allen County Health Department and carried out through the county chapter of the American Red Cross.
“We have to go through lifeguard training where we learn first aid and CPR. We also go through a lifesaving class — we have to swim 500 yards continuously. We also have to swim 20 yards out, go to the bottom of the pool, pick up a 10-pound brick and hold it above water while swimming to the edge of the pool. Then, we have to tread water for two minutes,” she said.
The certification training is conducted in Delphos by Pool Manager Chris Wisher, who is also a certified Red Cross instructor.
Wisher’s tight ship includes yearly recertification on the part of all local lifeguards, though it is not mandated. She also stresses that her 22 lifeguards pay constant attention when on duty. The only time they read books or magazines, for example, is when on break.
Many of them work more than 40 hours a week in their seasonal employment and must swim 75 laps every week for physical fitness.
They also take written tests and monthly backboard training, according to Wisher.
Grothouse says the summer job is beneficial beyond the rescue buoy.
“The rewards of being a lifeguard are being able to save someone’s life. It also helps make you responsible and develops people skills,” she said.