This month from March 16 to March 19, the Pueblo West Parks and Recreation is offering courses to be lifeguard certified and to work at the Pueblo West pool over the summer. The intense course is only three days long and is open to ages 15 and up. During these days, students will become CPR, AED, and CAR certified, and also compete the American Red Cross lifeguard training. Recertifications are going to be available on March 19. The application process can be found on pueblowestmetro.com/jobs and needs to be completed by Friday, March 10. The registration fee is $140. 

“By taking the course, you are not guaranteed a job with Pueblo West Parks and Rec, but hopefully you will be in a good enough position to obtain a lifeguard position,” says Anthony Sandstorm, the Communications and Public Engagement Strategist for the Pueblo West Metropolitan District. Sandstorm is encouraging as many students as possible to get lifeguard certified to help aid the lifeguard shortage that the US is currently facing. “If there aren’t enough lifeguards to run the programs it will a detriment to the community. A lot of people count on being able to go to the pool and have it be open as much as possible, to offer things like water aerobics and swim lessons.”