The City of Palmdale’s Parks and Recreation is accepting registration for its October Lifeguard Academy at Courson Park Pool, 39226 10th St. E. and Legacy Commons for Active Seniors, 930 E. Ave. Q-9. Participants who successfully complete the academy will receive American Red Cross lifeguarding certification necessary to apply to become a City of Palmdale Lifeguard I and are guaranteed an interview. Anyone hired as a lifeguard will earn $18.48/hour, with bonus pay up to $2000. Register for the Lifeguard Academy online at www.PlayPalmdale.com.

Participants must be able to swim a minimum of 100 yards continuously prior to the first day of the course. New for this year’s academy is a shallow water certification option and a swim test that only requires a 100-yard continuous swim and a brick retrieval in water up to five feet. Participants may qualify for either deep water or shallow water certification. Deep water certification requires a swim test that includes a 300-yard swim with a 10-foot brick recovery dive. Participants in the academy must be at least 15 ½ years old by the start of the class. All lifeguard candidates who wish to apply for a job must be 17 years of age by July 1, 2023.

Another incentive being offered this year – our academy fees will be reimbursed to any participant who completes the training and is hired as a lifeguard with the City of Palmdale. The fee for the Lifeguard Academy is discounted to $132 for Palmdale residents and is $175 for non-residents. Course fee includes textbooks and supplies, including facial covering, pocket mask, hip pack, and Red Cross certification fee.

Registration for the October class will close on Monday, Oct. 10 at Noon or when spots are filled. Classes will be held Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 12 through 26.

The Lifeguard Academy is designed to train individuals with emergency and lifesaving skills. Participants unable to pass the initial swim test will be withdrawn from the class and the class fee with be fully refunded.

For more information, please call 661/267-5611 or email questions to [email protected].