Go to any pool or beach and one is sure to see a lifeguard in the vicinity ready to jump in and save the day if needed.
Locally, at the Brewton Area YMCA, Lane Clark serves as one of the many lifeguards at the facility.
Clark, 16, is new to the job as he has only been a lifeguard for three weeks.
“I became a lifeguard because I enjoy helping people,” Clark said. “And I needed some money. But it is a good job to have. I really enjoy it.”
Clark said to become a lifeguard, he and others had to go through a rigorous certification period.
“We had to watch several CPR videos and do a lot of practice on test dummies,” Clark said. “We did several water activities. We did passive and active saves, activities to deal with a distressed swimmer. Overall, this is a great job that I really enjoy.”
The Brewton Area YMCA swimming facility is a six-lane, 25-yard competition pool. It is heated year-round between 83-86 degrees and has six certified Paragon starting blocks. The pool also has one recreational wrap water slide and one ADA accessible lift chair.
Youth and adult accessible locker rooms are close by the pool as well.
The YMCA offers swim lessons for those interested. Swim lessons are offered on monthly sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. and will last to 5:30 p.m.
Lessons are opens to those ages 2-4 (preschool); school age kids from ages 5-15 and adults. Adult classes must have three to make a class. Youth swim lessons are from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
Monthly session fees are $30 for Y-members and $60 for non-members. There is a $10 discount for member siblings in the same class.
Private lessons are open to members only for $25 per hour.