Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Lifeguard lessons


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Instructor Berti Loken (clockwise from left) observes as Eddie Dyess, 8, of Vidor is placed on a backboard by Kylie Hale, 18, of Kirbyville and Jessica Dunnigan, 15, of Beaumont during a Red Cross lifeguard course at the City of Orange Natatorium in Orange on Thursday, June 14, 2007. Area pools are having difficulty locating qualified lifeguards.


Red Cross lifeguard course instructor Berti Loken demonstrates techniques on Eddie Dyess, 8, of Vidor during the course at the City of Orange Natatorium. Fewer young people are enrolling for the courses although jobs are available.


Red Cross lifeguard course members watch as Kylie Hale, 18, of Kirbyville (left) secures Eddie Dyess, 8, of Vidor to a backboard as instructor Berti Loken (right) assists at the City of Orange Natatorium.


Red Cross lifeguard course members work on life-saving techniques at the City of Orange Natatorium. Although lifeguards earn about $7 per hour, it's not considered a "cool" summertime job anymore.

Please read "Swimming pools find it tough to fill vital jobs" by Emily Guevara.

4 comments:

Wanderlust Scarlett said...

Very interesting, and of course, good shots.

Being a lifeguard isn't cool anymore? When did that happen?
...wonder if it's because Baywatch got cancelled. Hmm.



Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Mark M. Hancock said...

It isn't "cool" to be underpaid and overworked as lifeguards are. It is cool to be overpaid and underworked. So, teens go for the "cool" jobs.

Matthew said...

It's not stopping people from becoming photojournalists ... ;)

Mark M. Hancock said...

Touche'.