St. Benedict’s Prep’s new program turns teens into lifesavers for their communities

While the nation is experiencing a shortage of lifeguards so large that experts predict half the pools in the U.S. will either shut down or drastically shorten hours this summer, St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark is training their students and staff for the jobs that could save lives this summer. 

Nicolle Jasbon, water polo and swim coach at St. Benedict’s, began offering the lifeguard certification program soon after her first day in March as a “hub to create lifeguards” to provide life-saving services to the communities in and around Newark. Since its inception, 19 staffers and students have become certified. Ten more will finish the program next month. 

For rising sophomore Nigel Williams, earning his lifeguarding certification will give him a chance to give back to his community while earning money this summer. 

Williams, who is also on the school’s water polo team and swims competitively, said he is grateful to St. Benedict’s for the opportunity to expand his aquatic skills to help others learn to swim and be safe around the water. 

“I am African American, and I can say many [African Americans] aren’t exposed to water or know how to swim,” Williams said. “Now, I can now do my part to help others learn.” 

The lifeguard shortage has been worrisome for years but was worsened by the pandemic. The prolonged closure of swimming pools hindered the certification of new lifeguards as well as the recertification of existing ones, who need to be recertified every two years. 

“It had a compound effect over the years,” Jasbon said. 

Last year, in the aftermath of COVID-19, the city of Newark offered lifeguard training for a small fee of $75 and increased wages to almost $18 per hour, which is above the average hourly wage of $15. But Newark is mirroring other places throughout the U.S. — especially inner-cities — and is still seeking qualified lifeguards as the summer sets in. 

The Newark area has 248 openings for lifeguards as of June 15, according to SimplyHired.com, which carries job listings for Newark recreation and area YMCAs and swim clubs. 

Even with a competitive hourly wage, there are still barriers to the job, including the number of hours required to train for certification and the cost of the classes. And the requirements to even qualify for the class are tough: be able to swim 12 laps without stopping, tread water for two minutes, and bring a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool to the edge of the pool.  

In March, Jasbon said she was approached by some students and staff members about starting up a lifeguard class at the school pool. 

“There were students who sought out summer jobs at one of the five Newark recreational pools and also at American Dream’s water park,” Jasbon said. “Offering [the classes] at a discount and at the school was convenient for both the students and staff.” 

While Red Cross and the American Lifeguard Association charge about $350 per certification, St. Benedict’s charges $100 for a 27-hour class that includes 20 hours in the pool and seven hours in a Red Cross online course, Jasbon said.  

Rising senior Joshua Loube said the classes were also offered at a convenient time — right at the end of the school year. Lawbe, who is the water polo team manager, said he sought the certification to know what to do “in case of emergency” at the pool. As lifeguards are also trained in lifesaving skills such as CPR and use of a defibrillator, he said those skills go beyond the pool and could be useful anywhere to help someone suffering a health emergency.  

About 30% of those seeking the certification are St. Benedict’s staffers, some of whom were looking for summer jobs, according to Jasbon. 

English teacher Brian Delaney said having the students certified created a larger safety net for the school and the community. 

“There isn’t always an adult around or one that is certified in life-saving skills,” Delaney said. 

With a baby on the way, he said he thought it wise to take the certification class himself.  

“The ability to save a person’s life in or out of the water is priceless,” Delaney said. 

“It’s a great summer job to have, especially if you are into aquatic sports,” Jasbon said. “But it’s a serious job. You work long shifts with a lot of responsibility.” 

The closure of pools during the pandemic also impacted the swimming abilities of children, leading to a decrease in the number of kids learning to swim. This situation is particularly concerning as data from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that about 70% of drowning fatalities in children under 15 occur between May and August annually. To ensure safety, experts recommend keeping pools closed in the absence of lifeguards. 

Jasbon said it is also Headmaster Father Edwin Leahy’s goal for every St. Benedict’s student to learn how to swim before graduating. Now their hope is to create enough lifeguards to teach the community how to swim. 

Williams said he feels blessed at St. Benedict’s where he is offered “so many opportunities to build a brother and sisterhood, and to better myself and my community.”