Future lifeguards at the Marysville swimming pool are shown above this morning as they take part in training in preparation for the facility’s opening day Saturday.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
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Marysville officials are preparing for the opening of the city pool Saturday.
Lifeguards, concession workers, managers and other pool related seasonal workers spent Friday in training for the summer.
“It is just to make sure everyone is equipped and ready for the season,” said Amanda Morris, recreation/event manager for the City of Marysville.
Earlier this week staff held a classroom in-service training. Morris said staff learned the basics of scheduling and making certain they are paid appropriately.
Today, lifeguards demonstrated a 300-meter swim, back boarding a potential accident victim, and diving into the deep end of the pool to retrieve a brick.
She said lifeguards had to demonstrate at least some of these skills when they qualified for their certification through the American Red Cross, however for some, that certification was a year ago. She said lifeguard certification must be renewed every two years.
Lifeguards are trained in the logistics of each position at the pool as well as how to open and close the facility.
Morris said officials from Marysville Division of Police also talk to the staff about how to deal with strangers, unruly patrons and other potential safety issues.
Morris said the Union County Health Department talked to concession stand employees, “just to refresh them on how to keep things clean and safe for our patrons.”
Morris said staff is trained to treat each patron like a guest at the pool.
“We want them to remember that it is the experience they had at the pool that they will remember,” Morris said.
Through this morning, the pool has sold 295 pool memberships. She said she expects to exceed last year’s 438 passes for the season, “as long as the weather stays good. That is what dictates that.”
Morris said hiring seasonal staff is “always a challenge.” She said the pool has enough concession workers, but could use more life guards. She said there are enough life guards to open and operate the pool, but officials will be taking applications through the season. She said the city did that last year also and “it worked out that way.”
Morris said the city is accepting applications for the swim team. She said the team has steadily grown and she hopes that growth will continue.
The pool is also scheduling swim lessons. Information is available at the pool or on the city website.
Morris said visiting the pool is “good, wholesome fun.”
“The pool makes good memories,” Morris said. “Going to the pool as a kid is one of the few things adults can look back on and remember as just a good time.”