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Frank Johnson pool opens for the summer, lifeguards on watch

The pool is officially open and while the kids swim and play, three lifeguards were hard at work.

MACON, Ga. — On Friday, some new lifeguards started their first watch at the Frank Johnson Recreation Center.

The pool is officially open. While the kids swim and play, three lifeguards were hard at work.

It's their first day ever on duty, and they said it is the best way to dive into their summer.

These lifeguards had to train for three days straight from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

They learned everything they needed to get them rescue-ready.

Kaylia Pete says she always wanted to become a lifeguard and knew she had to take advantage.

"I was taught first aid, CPR, how to do an AED, the proper ways if someone's drowning and how to rescue them," Pete said. "When I heard there was a lifeguard shortage, I just took advantage of the opportunity. I said, 'Oh it's a lifeguard shortage.' So it's not like every other year where you necessarily have to compete. But it's more so if you can do it, you might as well."

Jonothan Abrams applied to be a lifeguard to learn how to swim better and give kids swim lessons.

"Every life counts so just save them," Abrams said. "Just do what you got to do."

Abrams said he had to save a child yesterday at another pool, and it made him feel like he was doing something good for the community. 

"I had to save somebody from the deep end," Abrams said. "They were floating on their back and as soon as I saw he couldn't get up, I instantly jumped in and saved him just for safety measures."

Mary Katherine Lewis said it was her first time ever lifeguarding.

She is doing it to earn money and save up for a car and says she was trained pretty well.

"It was really difficult at first for me because swimming long distances isn't really my thing and we really had to do a lot of swimming," Lewis said. 

Lewis said she wanted to close the staffing gap caused by the lifeguard shortage and help contribute to the community.

"Major called me and asked me if I was interested in getting certified so that I can actually be a lifeguard and talked about the shortage and I was like yeah of course I would love to come help." 

Bibb County is still looking for lifeguards to help open the Memorial Park pool.

To apply you can go to the county's website at www.MaconBibb.us.

The minimum age is 16 years old.

If you're 18 or older, you'll need a high school diploma.

Lifeguards will make $14 an hour. If you aren't CPR-certified, the county will get you trained and certified.

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