Lifeguards Compete to Save Lives

July 3, 2007

Lifeguards Compete to Save Lives

The 22nd annual Southwest Regional Lifeguard Games will be held Friday, July 6, at White Water Bay at 3908 W. Reno. Teams from Oklahoma and Texas begin competing at 7:30 a.m. at the water park to see who is the best of the life-saving best. Junior life guard teams for ages 11 to 15 will also compete in the games.

"This event is sponsored by Oklahoma City Community College and has been a vital part of increasing drowning prevention awareness in the metro area," said Stephanie Scott, OCCC Aquatics and Safety Training Specialist. "The games are an excellent way of educating the public on the responsibility our lifeguards share with parents in keeping children safe in and around the water."

Guards will compete in spinal injury management, CPR and first aid, water rescues and overall knowledge of rescue skills and water safety.

"We also want to use the event to increase interest in life-guarding for our city's youth," Scott said. "OCCC Aquatics Center is operating at a deficit in the number of certified lifeguards on staff, as are most pools in Oklahoma and around the country."

In an effort to remedy the situation, OCCC is partnering with the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross to host Operation Lifesaving. This full-length Lifeguard Training class will be held July 14-16 from 8am-7pm. The cost has been reduced to $25 per student and includes the books and resuscitation mask. To enroll, please call Chele Rider at 405-228-9544 or e-mail crider@arcok.org .

For more information about the Southwest Regional Lifeguard Games, call Stephanie Scott at Oklahoma City Community College at 682-1611 ext. 7662.

For comments on the News Release contact:
Cordell Jordan
Media Relations Coordinator Marketing and Public Relations

Oklahoma City Community College