Seven Ohio Hi-Point Exercise Science students have completed their pre-water skills check with the Hilliker YMCA in Bellefontaine as they work to earn their lifeguard certification.
Haydin Beswick (Triad), Ayden Clary (Riverside), Daniel Seaman (Triad), Orie Hannah (Triad), Gabe Hursey (Mechanicsburg), Kaydin Lenhart (Bellefontaine), and Haley Horn (Bellefontaine) will now complete the certification classes both in-person and online.
These classes include safety and rescue techniques, CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AED).
“It has been a great experience. The YMCA has been nothing but kind and accommodating and Kyle Wyant, the instructor, has been great working with the kids to get them to succeed,” said OHP Exercise Science instructor Heather Smith.
The lifeguard certification is a newly added certification for the Exercise Science program after Smith noticed a need for skilled lifeguards in the community. Not only are lifeguards needed at facilities like the YMCA, but local pools during the summer months to keep kids and families safe.
“This is another great way for the students to learn career skills in the exercise science pathway while earning an invaluable credential and find a paying job using that credential,” said Smith. “I’m very thankful to have a partnership with the Hilliker YMCA to help make our students career ready.”
A second group of Smith’s exercise science students plan to complete their pre-water skills check in a few weeks.
Pictured are, from the left, first row: Kaydin Lenhart and Haley Horn; and second row: lifeguard Kyle Wyant, Haydin Beswick, Ayden Clary, Daniel Seaman, Orie Hannah and Gabe Hursey. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)