Partnership with City nets WHS Students Lifeguard Certification and Potential job Opportunities

This semester, seven new lifeguards have been certified through the Wenatchee High School Swim Class. WHS Aquatics Coordinator and Head Boy’s Swim and Dive Coach John Pringle taught the class with the assistance of Sarah Fitzgerald from the City of Wenatchee. Pringle and Fitzgerald connected at a Drowning Convention Coalition meeting, where Fitzgerald expressed interest in co-teaching the course after hearing about it.  

Nationwide pools and aquatic facilities are experiencing a need for more qualified lifeguards. Pringle says this shortage has impacted the Wenatchee Valley. This cooperative effort not only equips students with the necessary skills to become lifeguards but it exposes them to job opportunities with the Wenatchee City Pool.

“The students learned valuable lifesaving skills that will transfer to other occupations such as firefighting, paramedic, medical fields, etc.," said Pringle. “The community will benefit by having an increased lifeguard employee pool that will allow local aquatic venues to keep or augment swimming programming while keeping program participants safe.” 

Pringle hopes to keep the successful co-teaching partnership with the city going and contribute to building the skills and knowledge of his students while also connecting them to future employment opportunities. 

New Lifeguards

• Gabe Hunsaker
• Aiden Grigsby
• Jaelynn Burns
• Francisca Gaglio
• Norah Endsley
• Starla Anderson
• Sirri Von Reis

Big Six # 6 - Engaged in Real-world, Relevant Learning
Strategic Plan Priorities: Thriving Environment, Opportunities & Partnerships