Lesson in aquatic professionalism

It seems that pool lifeguards never get the same respect as their counterparts watching the turbulent ocean waters.

But a program for teens offered by the City of Newport Beach’s Recreation and Senior Services Department could change that.

Not only will youths get trained in First Aid, CPR and the basics of aquatic rescues, they will get a course in professionalism. In addition to the lifesaving techniques involved in water safety, instructors will cover job search skills that can prove valuable in obtaining work.

The Summer Work Internship and Mentoring Program called “SWIM” begins July 5 at the Newport Harbor High School pool. During the four-week class, teens ages 13-16 will learn every aspect of aquatic safety, rescue techniques, CPR and First Aid.

When not in the water, the trainees will learn another set of basics: the fundamentals of job hunting.

By the time the course is complete, the teens will know how to navigate an employee manual, create a page of professional references, write an impressive cover letter and resume and properly fill out an application, which is a must, according to Recreation Supervisor Christine Stempleski.

According to Stempleski, the course’s focus on job searching stems from a shortage of viable applicants in previous years.

“Basically we started this program based on the applications we saw coming in,” Stempleski said. “So many that looked good got disqualified just based on poorly filled out applications.

“We’re basically giving them an example of learning to work in an aquatic environment … they can take the skills they learn with us and apply them to other jobs in the future.”

Guarding a pool involves many of the same skills that beach guards utilize.

“It’s just a different environment,” Stempleski said. “They’re both just as difficult. The kids do all the same American Red Cross certificates.”

The course runs Tuesdays through Fridays beginning July 5. It costs $100 to attend.

Participants are asked to provide their own beach towels, swimwear, and sack lunches.