So - my 16 YO DD took a American Red Cross lifeguarding at the end of June. (She couldn't take it earlier - she had far too many extra curricular activies in April and May.)
unfortunately - most pools have already hired their guards for the summer by the end of June.
A couple of weeks ago, she helped out at a YMCA triathalon. (One of DD's friends was guarding there, but needed a "boat rower" for the lake swim) DD was kind of the opinion that rowing the boat might help her make some connections. She was encouraged to apply by the aquatic directors at 2 Y's. They told her that since she has had ARC llifeguarding, if they hired her, they would not only provide the course for "crossover - to the YMCA lifeguarding class", they would also pay her to take the class.
They called late last week to set up the interview, she did that this week along with a skills assessment. Apparently - the Aquatic director thought she has better skills than some of the current guards. The college kids start to go back to college in a couple of weeks (happens every year about this time) so they need to get new guards trained. The director at the Y is really pleased that DD is in different fall sports than most of the guards (DD is in cross country, not swimming) since most female guards have scheduling conflicts for the meets. (DD will have cross meets, it is just a different schedule.)
So - they've not yet offered the job to her, but have thoroughly explained the next steps (2 more reference checks, and then they can make an offer, and then 1 hour of paperwork.) Then she can start.
Anyway...this is long...but I am so proud of her for her ability at 16 to network with the Aquatic directors at the meet. And - since she really wants the job...I hope she gets it!
unfortunately - most pools have already hired their guards for the summer by the end of June.
A couple of weeks ago, she helped out at a YMCA triathalon. (One of DD's friends was guarding there, but needed a "boat rower" for the lake swim) DD was kind of the opinion that rowing the boat might help her make some connections. She was encouraged to apply by the aquatic directors at 2 Y's. They told her that since she has had ARC llifeguarding, if they hired her, they would not only provide the course for "crossover - to the YMCA lifeguarding class", they would also pay her to take the class.
They called late last week to set up the interview, she did that this week along with a skills assessment. Apparently - the Aquatic director thought she has better skills than some of the current guards. The college kids start to go back to college in a couple of weeks (happens every year about this time) so they need to get new guards trained. The director at the Y is really pleased that DD is in different fall sports than most of the guards (DD is in cross country, not swimming) since most female guards have scheduling conflicts for the meets. (DD will have cross meets, it is just a different schedule.)
So - they've not yet offered the job to her, but have thoroughly explained the next steps (2 more reference checks, and then they can make an offer, and then 1 hour of paperwork.) Then she can start.
Anyway...this is long...but I am so proud of her for her ability at 16 to network with the Aquatic directors at the meet. And - since she really wants the job...I hope she gets it!
I can understand your pride 
