A Change of the Guard

By Trent Moore
The Cullman Times

June 09, 2008 01:09 pm

— A new generation of lifeguards is being trained in Cullman and will spend the summer at pools across the county keeping swimmers safe.
The Red Cross sponsored a 20-person lifeguard training class at the Smith Lake Park pool on the second week of May, which was taught by certified lifeguard instructor Austin Caudle.
Training assistant Chase Hancock, 19, said there is a lot more to lifeguarding than just getting a tan and free pool access.
“You’ve got to be a tough swimmer and you’ve got to be in shape,” he said.
Caudle agreed, and added the stress of the program had already trimmed his class size.
“We’ve already had three people quit that couldn’t handle it,” he said. “It’s pretty tough.”
Even Red Cross Health and Safety Director Nancy Lee said what she has seen of the class looked quite strenuous.
“The course is pretty intense,” she said.
The week-long class, with 4-hour evening sessions spanning from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., has a minimum age of 15 years-old and costs $215.
Curriculum includes both CPR technique and drowning rescue training.
In addition, students are also required to lift a ten pound weight from the bottom of the pool and swim 20 yards with it.
“That by itself is a lot harder than it sounds,” Caudle said.
The Smith Lake Park class is also the only Red Cross-approved lifeguarding course taught in Cullman, and Caudle is the only person certified to teach it in the county.
“I’m it,” Caudle said.
Certification lasts three years, then must be renewed by re-taking the class.
Caudle — who also works as a lifeguard at Smith Lake Park — said everyone that passes his course should have little trouble finding a summer job. With all the pools in the county and beyond that will be open this summer, jobs are normally quite plentiful, Caudle said.
“Just here we have 12 lifeguards cycled around to five-a-day to run this place (Smith Lake Park pool),” Caudle said. “You’ve got here, Nesmith, Hanceville, Terri Pines, Spring Valley and Point Mallard that all need lifeguards.”
Hancock noted that most of the classes he has been involved with teaching have been mostly female.
“The classes are almost always mostly girls,” he said. “A lot more females than males, for sure.”
Lauren Odell, 19, who is taking the course to get recertified, said she has always been a swimmer and loves it.
“I grew up on the swim team,” she said. “And I still want to be around it.”
Fellow student Jason Hewer said he took the class because he was just looking for something interesting to do.
“I thought it’d be fun,” he said.
Marcus Kay, 18, is taking the course to become a lifeguard legacy.
“Both of my parents did it,” Kay said. “So, I thought I’d do it, too.”
Caudle, who is currently enrolled in Wallace State’s nursing program, said he gets a sense of pride when teaching others the ins and outs of lifeguarding.
“I really enjoy doing this,” he said. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s really rewarding.”