SPLASH! That’s the sound of student lifeguard interns across the Penn pool saving the lives of those in danger. PNN interviewed Lily Rerick, a Sophomore lifeguard taking the lifeguarding class, on the ins and outs of this essential program.
A typical class, run by Ms. Crist, consists of either being in the pool or in the classroom, learning about First Aid and what it takes to be a lifeguard. Anyone can take the class, but to become a lifeguard intern you must pass the lifeguard test at the end of the semester.
Lifeguards fill a critical need at the pool, and sophomore Lily Rerick knows this. “I want to become a lifeguard at Penn because it seems fun and Penn is also really low on lifeguards. If we don’t have lifeguards then you can’t be in the pool.”
Without the essential lifeguard class, no students would be allowed in the pool, and students wouldn’t have anyone supervising swimmers and keeping people safe. Currently, there are only 15 students school-wide enrolled in the lifeguard class, meaning anyone who is interested in taking the class, is more than welcome.
Additionally, being a lifeguard at Penn can help you find a job, outside of PHS. “After passing your lifeguard test and getting your first aid certification, you can go and get a lifeguard job out of Penn with that certification,” Rerick added. The certificate qualifies you to become a lifeguard elsewhere, outside of Penn, giving you an opportunity to find a summer job, or work at other pools across the area.
Ms. Crist has dedicated her career to this work and can connect student lifeguards to job opportunities across the community. “A lot of local pools are in the same bind that we are, so they reach out, and I can get the information out to lifeguards looking to find jobs outside of the Penn pool.”
Ms. Crist has directed the Penn aquatics center and taught PE classes for 33 years. She says Penn High School is the only school in Northern Indiana to administer an additional waterfront certification. Lifeguards interested in guarding at area lakes or other open water bodies can be trained to do so at Penn.
“You don’t have to be on the swim team to be a lifeguard! That’s the biggest myth. some of our best guards have been kids not on the swim team. You need to have decent skills and be a strong swimmer, but if you are interested in joining, check us out!” Crist added.
“Just make sure you enjoy it and keep going.”
Lily Rerick, who plans to take the course all throughout High School.
If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard next year, consider talking with your counselors, or Contact Mrs. Crist at jcrist@phm.k12.in.us, with any questions.
Natalia Kelman 
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