Students interested in lifeguarding will feel right at home in Cathedral’s Aquatics P.E. class, where they learn to perfect the skills that will transform them into top-notch lifeguards. Coach Dawn Lee, a veteran of Cathedral and Uni.’s faculty, teaches Aquatics to upper-classmen.

The 2011-2012 school year is Coach Lee’s third year teaching the class, which, she says involves “Lots of swimming, followed by lifesaving techniques both in the pool and out.”

Students enrolled in the one-semester Aquatics course will learn First Aid or CPR and AED, as well as the responsibilities of the lifeguard. They will be tested on all of their studies at the end of the semester.  Students are required to score 80% or higher on the Red Cross lifeguard test to earn certification.

CCHS junior Sophia Brodak is a student in Coach Lee’s Aquatics class this semester. She said, “During the course we will learn the characteristics and responsibilities of a lifeguard, the rewards of being a professional lifeguard, and the importance of maintaining lifeguarding knowledge.”

Coach Lee explains, “[Students] must also demonstrate competency in each required skill taught in class. Competency is defined as being able to perform each skill to meet the objective without guidance.”

Both in the pool and out, Aquatics class involves intense conditioning. In addition to spending much time in the pool, students run one mile each period.

Cathedral has offered the Aquatics course for three years, thanks to Coach Lee, who decided to teach the class because Cathedral had the facility to offer it. Before she could teach the class, Coach Lee had to earn the required certification.

Cathedral’s Aquatics course offers a wide range of skills for those interested in lifeguarding. After two successful years, the course continues to sail smoothly as students prepare themselves to become future lifeguards.