By Shay Hough shayhough00@gmail.com
Lifeguarding has more to offer than a whistle and a paycheck; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, unexpected friendships, and the gratification of saving lives. The friendly staff at the Laramie Community Rec Center look at their jobs as a rewarding, life experience.
The Laramie Community Rec Center provides and encourages people from young adults to retirees to consider becoming a lifeguard. Retiree Ken Brown, works part time at the rec center. Reflecting on his decision to become a lifeguard, Brown shares, “I have a lot of friends that belong to the Rec Center. And I got to thinking when I saw the signs, “we need lifeguards” that I just renewed my life savings, since I retired a couple times and see if I can do a little community service and help out here.” Brown finds fulfillment in contributing to his community through lifeguarding. Despite his retired status, he often fills in during times when there aren’t enough lifeguards to work.
Eli Berry, a senior at Laramie High School, shares why he decided to become a lifeguard. He stated, “The money is what drew me in first, but I fell in love with helping people.” Being a lifeguard is more than just a job to Berry. He had some experience with swimming when he was younger, but hadn’t swam for at least 5 years before he decided to apply as a lifeguard. “I wouldn’t say I’m an amazing swimmer now but I’m way better than I used to be,” he said with a smile on his face. It goes to show that anyone can become a lifeguard with a little on-the- job training. Lifeguard, Madison Campbell, added, “I did all land sports when I was in high school and then I never touched water for years. Then I was like, let’s be a lifeguard! If you look where I started, and where I am now, I can swim, I can go down into the deep water, I can make a save, and I’m just more comfortable in the water now than when I started.”
Being a lifeguard isn’t just a job you learn to love and leave behind. It comes with a set of life skills that can be implemented into other areas of your life. Campbell is a junior in college studying Psychology and Social Work. Since becoming a lifeguard, she has been able to apply her real world experiences at work to her school work and her day-to-day life. “Being able to take that step forward and see the development of a child and being able to teach those different levels of kids and make that bond with them is pretty great,” she remarked.
Brown added, “That’s really one of the cool things about why we wish we could get more of the high school kids and college folks involved with lifeguarding are all of the certifications. You’re CPR qualified, get your WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certification, and if you hang around long enough, you can get your Lifeguard Instructor Certification.” You never know when you might be of help or a lifesaver to the people around you, whether that’s in the water or not.
The Laramie Community Rec Center offers swimming lessons for kids where lifeguards like Berry and Campbell are able to build relationships with not only the kids, but their parents too. “I love to see the enjoyment on these folks’ faces, whether they’re teaching swimming lessons or getting involved with the events,” Brown added. Summer swim lessons at the Laramie Community Rec Center will be open for registration on Tuesday, May 21st. Get your kiddos registered by visiting parksandrec.cityoflaramie.org. They also offer 4 week swim lesson sessions during the school year, as well as private swim lessons.
Whether you were born and raised in Laramie, or just moved to town, being a lifeguard at the Laramie Community Rec Center is a great place to make new friends and get to know the community. Brown stated, “I really like meeting the patrons that come in. I mean, it’s just really fun to see. You see all sorts of people here and it’s fun to welcome them to the rec center.”