For Holly Glainyk, lifeguarding is more than a responsibility; it is a way of life. She teams up with the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin to ensure that Waukesha County has an efficient and beneficial lifeguarding program.

Glainyk has the important task of making lifeguard certification courses available in her numerous facilities within Waukesha County Park System. She works with the Red Cross to set up courses and train certified instructors.

The importance of water safety is emphasized through Glainyk’s hard work in preparing activities highlighting the responsibilities and contributions of the lifeguards in the county. She organizes the Lifeguard Olympics every summer in Waukesha County to shed light on how fun lifeguarding can be, and more importantly, how necessary lifeguard skills are.

Glainyk takes her job one step further by going to various high schools in the community to recruit potential lifeguard candidates and to inform them of the benefits and responsibilities that lifeguarding has to offer.

People like Glainyk continue to help the Red Cross be the leader in lifeguarding and water safety. Since 1914, the Red Cross has trained 170,000 lifeguards across the country each year and nearly two million people learn to swim because of the lifeguard program.

According to the National Safety Council, over 4,000 people die each year from drowning. The Red Cross is determined to combat this statistic by offering lifeguard training at regional aquatic centers throughout Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.

In order to become a certified lifeguard, you must be at least 15 years of age and take American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, which includes first aid and CPR training. Additionally, through classroom learning and hands-on practice, you will be proficient in surveillance skills to help recognize and prevent injuries and learn in-water and on-land rescue skills. You will also gain professional lifeguard responsibilities like interacting with the public and addressing uncooperative patrons.

Various lifeguarding courses that are offered include lifeguarding at traditional pools, waterpark lifeguards, waterfront lifeguarding at non-surf, open-water environments such as lakes and rivers, and lifeguarding in areas with water attractions up to four feet deep. Course lengths vary from 30 to 37 hours.

If you aren’t 15 years old, don’t give up yet! The American Red Cross GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow is a program designed to prepare 11- to 14-year-olds to take Red Cross Lifeguarding certification programs and for future work as lifeguards. The GuardStart program helps participants build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills that they will need to be responsible lifeguards. Lessons are grouped into five main areas: prevention, fitness, response, leadership and professionalism. To find out who can participate in GuardStart and what participants learn, visit the National American Red Cross GuardStart web page.

As a lifeguard, you become part of a team dedicated to help people be safe in and around the water. It will offer you skills needed to help build your future. Make sure to check out the lifeguarding page or call 262-970-7443 for a list of courses!