Eighteen-year-old Quinn Smith is in his second summer lifeguarding at Edina’s Aquatic Center.
He applied in June 2016 because his brother was the lifeguard instructor at the center. He began training soon afterward.
The first part of the training is to test how well the applicant can swim. Quinn had to tread water with his wrists above the water for two minutes, dive to the deep end of the pool and grab a brick to bring back to the surface and hold above his head, and swim the length of the pool two times. He also had a few days in the classroom where he learned CPR and how to save people who are drowning.
The next component was training at the pool to apply his classroom learning to a real setting. Training ended with a multiple-choice exam.
Smith believes his work at the center is beneficial. “It teaches me really good life skills and accountability and responsibility,” Quinn says.
Surely, Edina swimmers are grateful for dedicated lifeguards like Quinn.
To apply for a lifeguard position at the Edina Aquatic Center, and be just like Quinn, visit their website.
