Lifeguarding or Partner for kids with disabilities?

Question

At my school we have the choice of lifeguarding classes or being a parter for kids with disabilities. most of my friends are already in p.e. leaders classes, so they aren't taking either of the two... however ( like three friends are taking lifeguarding)...

Which of the two do you think I should do? I am nervous about lifeguarding as I'm afraid that I will be really really bad at it and hate the class, yet as a partner, i won't have friends?

Please help me make the right decision! thank you

Answer 1

Lifeguarding is a skill that can turn into a summer job for high school or college students. On the other hand, if you have any remote interest in working with kids or people with disabilities, consider being the partner for kids with disabilities. Those kids really look up to their "normal" peer companions and the parents appreciate that someone takes the time with their kids.

I wouldn't worry about friends at this point, it's only one class.

Answer 2

As stimpson has said the lifeguarding can turn into a summer job, however to be a lifeguard you need to be fairly fit, and be able to swim 500 yards continuously using these strokes

200 front crawl

100 breaststroke

200 of either stroke

Tread water for 2 minutes without any aids, support or hands, then swim 20 years surface dive to a depth of 7 -10 feet, retrieve a 10 pound object and bring it to the surface.

Basic Level Courses:

Fundamentals of Instructor Training

Lifeguarding

Lifeguard Management

Administering Emergency Oxygen

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Safety Training for Swim Coaches

Learn to Swim Program

First Aid & CPR training

Which needs to be retested in some form every year. However as a ex-lifeguard I can tell you it is very rewarding, some times demanding and you have to be alert at all times.

As for working with people with disabilities, this is a very rewarding job, and also very demanding. This job requires empathy, a caring nature, and an understanding of the complexities of the disabled persons disability, including the frustration they face each day etc, due to the type of disability, also behavioural issues can be a factor, when dealing with the disabled.

However being a carer can be physically and emotionally demanding, which can be off putting for some people.

Take into consideration the physical demands of each of the courses/classes offered, your fitness level, your ability to deal with stressful/emergency situations.

Answer 3

Don't worry about making the wrong decision.  No decision would be the wrong decision.  Either class will work out okay.   My advice:  do a good deed and partner with the disabled kids.  They will never have the chance to be you, do what you do, have what you have.  Would they ever have the chance to have a friend like you if it were not for the class? They will probably never forget being able to hang out with you, and later on when you grow up you will be proud of yourself for having done it.

Answer 4

As a special ed teacher, I would recommend the peer mentoring.  While lifeguarding may get you a summer job for a few years, peer mentoring can offer you a lifetime of understanding and compassion.

Answer 5

I volunteered in high school in the multiple handicapped classroom.  None of my friends were there, and it was one of the greatest, most rewarding experiences of my life.