A.) Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO)- To become AFO Certified, you must attend the 16-hour certification course, designed for the full time pool operator, and pass the written exam.  Some of the topics covered in this class include filtration, disinfection, water testing and treatment, design considerations, facility management, risk management, and facility troubleshooting.  The National Certification Board of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) will officially certify all individuals who successfully complete the course, which is a five-year, renewable certification.  This class if offered to City of Springfield Employees who maintain the School and City pools. Classes are run by the City’s Aquatics Division on an as needed basis.  In order to run the class there has to be a minimum of 10 candidates.

For public certification classes go to www.pooloperationmanagement.com .  The next classes being offered in Springfield are on April 12-13 and May 19-20, 2012.  Or you can go to www.nspf.org for certification classes in Springfield on April 4-5 and June 26-27, 2012.

B.) Water Safety Instructor (WSI) –  In order to become WSI certified, you must be at least 16 years old, and be able to pass a pre-course skills test consisting of 50 yards of the following strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke, and Butterfly (10 yds.).  You must attend and pass a 30 hour American Red Cross Training Course.  In this class you will learn teaching techniques, swim levels, strokes, and safety.  You will be able to teach the six levels of a learn to swim program. This is a two year certification.  The City of Springfield will provide an instructor when there is at least 6 participants interested.

C.) Lifeguard Instructor (LI) – In order to become a LI, you must be at least 17 years old and already be lifeguard, CPR and First Aid Certified (Professional Rescuer).  You must attend and pass a 30 hour American Red Cross or YMCA Training Course.  In this class you will learn teaching techniques, training skills, and grading methods.  This is a two year certification.  The City of Springfield will provide an instructor when there is at least 6 participants interested.

D.) Lifeguarding– In order to become a Lifeguard, you must be at least 15 years old and be able to attend and pass a 30-37 hour American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguard Training Course. In this class you will learn how to prevent injuries, recognize and respond to emergencies, learn how to enforce facility rules and educate the public, and learn CPR and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer.  Lifeguards receive three certifications upon successful completion of this course, which are, Lifeguarding, CPR for the professional rescuer and First Aid. 

A certification in Waterfront Lifeguarding is an option for all lifeguards wanting to work at a lake or pond site, such as 5-Mile Pond.

The Lifeguarding course is taught 2-4 times a year by the City’s Aquatics Department.  Classes will always run during February and April's School Vacation Week.  Training can also be attained by contacting the Red Cross, YMCA, and local area Colleges.

E.) CPR and First Aid Certification - In order to become CPR certified, you must attend and pass a 16 hour Red Cross or American Heart Association Training Course.  For First Aid, you must attend and pass an 8 hour Red Cross or American Heart Associations Training Course.  Usually these two courses are taught together.  In this class you will learn how to ensure safety, respond to emergencies, provide care, and learn life saving techniques.  CPR is a one year certification and First Aid is a three year certification.    To get certified in CPR and First Aid, contact the Red Cross, YMCA, local area Colleges, or you can take the Lifeguard Training Course, which is a three fold Certification.