Hancock Offers Four-Week Lifeguard Certification Class in March

The class meets on Thursdays and Sundays at the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center.

Students can become a certified lifeguard in just four weeks if they register for a short-term class being offered this spring at Allan Hancock College.

“Students will learn the skills and earn the certificates needed to work as a lifeguard at any pool or water park by meeting for just four weeks,” said instructor Deborah Schuetz-Jones.

Lifeguard Certification (EMS 325) starts Sunday, March 29, and runs through Thursday, April 23.  Thursday classes will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., while Sunday instruction will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with an hour lunch break. Instruction will take place at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center in Santa Maria.

The two-unit course trains students in surveillance skills to help recognize and prevent injuries, rescue skills in the water and on land, and general lifeguarding duties.  The instruction also meets the requirements for certification in Title 22 First Aid.  Students will receive the six hours of CPR training, and 15 hours of specific first aid information and skills required for California public safety personnel.

“Not many community colleges in the state offer a four-week lifeguard certification course like we do,” added Schuetz-Jones.  “This class is an amazing opportunity, especially for high school students who can work as a lifeguard all year.”

For more information on the course, call 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3810 or email dschuetz-jones@hancockcollege.edu.

Open registration is under way and continues until the day before the class begins.  Students who will be juniors or seniors in high school in the fall are eligible to enroll in the class and receive college credit. All students register online via myHancock, which is accessed from the college’s website; click the Student tab, then Register/Add/Drop/Search Classes.

New students and those without a user name and password must first apply for admission to the college before registering for classes. To access the online admission application, click Apply & Register and then select the appropriate admission form. E

The enrollment fee for California residents is $46 per unit, meaning a typical three-unit class costs $138. Other minimal fees apply.