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The YMCA recently held a lifeguard training clinic.

The course followed the American Red Cross Lifeguarding curriculum. The program was led by American Red Cross Instructors Jodi Tolliver and Toni St. Philip. St. Philip is also the CEO at the YMCA.

New lifeguards were getting certified and older ones got re-certified.

The course was a CPR, first aid and they learned how to use an automated external defibrillator.

The clinic was about how to provide rescue and care until EMS gets to their facility.

Some of the things they learned was how to stabilize a broken bone, wound care, what to do if someone is choking, provide CPR and rescue breathing.

It was a blended learning program, so they did their videos and half of their written test online. Then the participants went to the YMCA and did 20 hours of onsite skill training May 14-16.

The participants learned water rescue. They learned rescue approaches on active and passive victims. They worked on their entry approach for potential drowning victims depending on the situation with the person.

There was also teaching on spinal board removal and multiple victim rescue.

St. Philip said it was fun-filled days with long hours and hard work both physically and mentally. She added that they were blessed with beautiful weather.

The YMCA trains lifeguards that will work at the Bogalusa YMCA and at other facilities like in Mandeville, New Orleans and summer camps that are in and out of state.