Newark, NJ – February 9, 2022 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Patrick Council reminded residents today that the City of Newark is offering a series of Lifeguard Training classes, commencing with a Recertification Course on Saturday, February 12, and Sunday, February 13. The Lifeguard Training classes will start on Thursday, March 17.

All classes will be held at the John F. Kennedy Recreation & Aquatic Center, located at 211 West Kinney Street in the Central Ward.  These classes are only open to individuals aged 15 years and older. Space is limited, so early registration is required.

The classes are sponsored by the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services’ Division of Recreation. American Red Cross-certified Lifeguard Instructors will teach the class. There is a $75 initial cost due on the first day of class for participants. The class schedule is at the bottom. Participants register when they attend the first day of class at the Kennedy Center at (973) 715-2856.

“People who attain these lifelong skills will gain the unique opportunity to safeguard the lives of others,” Mayor Baraka said. “I urge people to get involved with this program, which may enable them to save a life in a critical situation.”

Participants should bring a blank $75 money order to the class, so that if they fail to pass the pre-requisite drills, the money can be refunded.

Participants must be on time and participate in all classes per session. They need not be Newark residents. They must also demonstrate competency in all skills/activities, attend all sessions, complete final rescue skill scenarios and pass all exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.  

The pre-requisite drill will require participants to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Participants must also tread water for two minutes, using only the legs, complete a timed event within one minute, 40 seconds; and surface dive, feet or head first to a depth of seven to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, bringing it back 20 yards to the starting point. Participants must bring swimwear, cap, and a towel, to all classes.

“Lifeguards are needed at swimming pools, beaches, and camps all across North Jersey,” said Director Council. “For teenagers and college students, working as a summer lifeguard can be a way to help pay for school and tuition expenses, while performing valuable and life-saving community service at the same time.”

The Division of Recreation and other agencies that require lifeguards often hire graduates from these classes during the summer season.

The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center offers Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, cultural, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, and an indoor swimming pool, providing residents with access to year-round aquatic classes and recreational programs.

Recertification Course

• Saturday, February 12:           9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, February 13:              9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lifeguard Training Course (Two-year certification)

Session I.

• Thursday, March 17: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 20: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, March 21: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 22: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, March 24: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  Session II.
• Thursday, April 14: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 16: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, April 18: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 19: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, April 21: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  
  Session III.
• Thursday, May 12: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, May 14: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, May 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, May 16: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 17: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, May 19: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  Session IV.
• Thursday, June 2: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, June 4: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, June 5: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, June 6: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 7: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, June 9: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  
  
  Waterfront Lifeguard Class— (Two-year certification)
  
  Course Description:  The Waterfront Skills module teaches lifeguards the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds.
  
  
  Sunday, June 5: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  
  

-NEWARK-

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