The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is hosting a lifeguard certification class on April 13-14.

Alyssa Hawkins, director of aquatics and member services, will be the course’s supervising instructor.

The SWRC has offered these types of classes in the past on an annual basis. As the last one was offered last month, this is first time the course will be offered more than once in an academic year.

The class will be open to all high school students, college students and other members of the Abilene community. The minimum age requirement is 15-years-old. The course will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m each day.

Lifeguard, CPR and first aid certifications will be available to those who attend and complete the course. Requirements to take the class include being able to swim 300 yards, tread water for two minutes and being able to dive 12 feet into a swimming pool to retrieve a 10 pound weight plate.

Rachel Poe, head life guard and sports and recreation management major from San Antonio, said she enjoys her time keeping the pool safe from danger.

“I have loved being a lifeguard,” Poe said. “I have been a lifeguard for the last seven years and am now a head guard at ACU and for the pool back in my hometown.”

The cost for the class is $205 for students and $240 for the general public.

“Yes, it makes me feel safer and more comfortable in the water. Whether I am at a lake with friends, at a local pool or in a training session I just feel more confident in myself and I can fully enjoy myself knowing that I feel safer,” Poe said.

Anyone interested in attending the lifeguard certification class may sign up for the course at srwc.acu.edu.