Public Employee Press

LifeGuards in training

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Five young swimmers took their marks, inhaled deeply and at the word “Go,” dived into an aqua pool at the city recreation center at 59th Street and Tenth Avenue.

The digital clock ticked off the seconds in glowing, foot-high numbers for all to see as the five blurred through the water in rhythmic strokes, splashes and breaths. Their goal was to swim 22 laps, a quarter mile, fast enough to certify as Parks Dept Lifeguards.

“Training can be grueling, but these kids are strong swimmers,” observed Lifeguard Supervisor JavierRodriguez, a 25-year veteran. Candidates who complete the distance test in 6 minutes, 40 seconds, qualify to work at the city’s 14 miles of public beaches; those whose time is under 7 minutes, 40 seconds, will work at a public pool. Lifeguard trainees must be at least 16 and be able to see well, swim 50 yards in 35 seconds, perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and, ultimately, save lives.

“It’s a great job,” said Citywide Lifeguard Coordinator Richard Sher. “Lifeguards contribute to the community, help save lives, pay for their college, stay in shape and in some instances, help support their families.”

Each spring Lifeguard Supervisors in Local 508 assist Parks management in an annual citywide campaign to recruit teens from local schools and recreation centers like Dewitt Clinton in the Bronx, Curtis High and the Jewish Community Center in Staten Island, Far Rockaway and Richmond Hill high schools in Queens, and Bushwick and Lincoln high schools in Brooklyn.

Outstanding safety record
The recruiters tap swim teams, athletes and waterbabies alike until May 4 to compete for the summer jobs. As Lifeguards, they will work 48 hours a week from Memorial Day weekend at city beaches and late June at pools through Labor Day.

“Safety is job one,” said Local 508 President Peter Stein. “Last season no one drowned at any city pool or beach while Lifeguards were on duty. Our safety record is outstanding.” The Parks Dept. estimates that last year 20.7 million people cooled off at city beaches and about 1.5 million used the city pools.

Recruits receive 16 lessons that each include class work and two hours of swimming. They study safety and responsibility and train in first aid, CPR and blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV. They learn to recognize and safely rescue victims in distress. To be certifed as city Lifeguards, recruits must pass a written exam and be able to tread water, float, keep victims afloat with their heads above water, and carry a victim to safety. Those assigned to a beach perform an ocean checkout.

“The end product of this intense training is strong, capable Lifeguards who can get the job done,” said Lifeguard Coordinator Leo Perlmutter.

Last year the Parks Dept. hired a record 1,060 Lifeguards. But the Big Apple still experiences recruiting problems. Stein said locals 461 and 508 are pressing City Hall to make wages competitive and attract recruits.

“Despite some negative publicity in local newspapers, our Lifeguards are the most competent and best-trained in the country,” said Lifeguards Local 461 President Franklin “Bubba” Paige.

“While some local politicians, journalists and members of the public have been misled by a small group of disgruntled, mud-slinging, politically connected people and those whose relatives just did not measure up,” Paige said, “all our city Lifeguards are simply the best, regardless of where they work or what neighborhood they come from.”

“City Lifeguards save countless victims who get caught in rip currents or become too fatigued to swim,” said Rodriguez. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Parks Dept. prohibits swimming when no Lifeguard is on duty.

“Our members do an outstanding job and somehow never get the recognition they deserve,” said Stein. “Lifeguards are truly New York City’s forgotten emergency service.”