Life guards train for duty

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The road to becoming a life saver is a tedious, but rewarding process. Children always have smiles when they see them and parents are relieved when they're around. 

Being a life guard comes with a lot of responsibilities and hard work. For some KMC residents, becoming a life guard is more than just a job. Ensuring peoples' safety and well-being while under our watch is what Sydni Root, life guard at the Ramstein Aquatic Center, said is the most important thing. 

Going into a job wanting to learn the position is good, but learning some characteristics that can help throughout life is great. 

During the 32-hour life guard course taught at the Aquatic Center, lots of different information and skills are taught to the trainees. Different rescue techniques being administered in the water are one of the most important details to the job. Learning different jumps, strokes and carries that will be most effective real-world scenarios are practiced until perfection. 

Just as important, the students are taught and must pass a professional CPR and first aid class. Upon completion of the class, the now life guards are given their American Red Cross certification that is accepted across the United States. 

More than a job, but a growing experience seems to have been learned during the training. 

"I have learned to have respect for the victims and for everyone on deck and around the pool," said Ms. Root. 

Many students said that what has been taught will be able to stay with them and give them the confidence to stay cool when in a difficult situation. 

With the ratio of one life guard to 40 people being the standard, there will always be a need for life guards. 

The Ramstein Aquatic Center is scheduled to open Sept. 4 and will be offering three types of pools. With a deck size of more than 9,000 sq. feet there will be a lot of room for family, friends and fun. Anyone interested in being a life guard can contact the Ramstein Outdoor Recreation store at 480-5705.