NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the City of Newark. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

Mayor Ras Baraka and Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs & Senior Services Patrick Council, Jr., announced that the City of Newark is offering a series of five-day Lifeguard Training classes, beginning on Saturday, February 24, continuing through Wednesday, May 30, at the John F. Kennedy Aquatic Center, located at 211 West Kinney Street, in the city's Central Ward. The center's entrance is on Howard Street. These classes are only open to individuals aged 15 years and older. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. The class is sponsored by the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs & Senior Services, Division of Recreation. American Red Cross-certified Lifeguard Instructors will teach the class. There is a $50 fee for the class payable via money order, subject the student's ability to pass the prerequisite skills.in the water. The classes will take place as follows:

Session 1: February 24, 26, 27, 28, and March 1 and 2. (February 24 class starts at 11 a.m., all other classes at 5 p.m.)

Session 2: March 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. (March 24 and 25 classes start at 11 a.m., all others at 5 p.m.)

Session 3: April 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15, (April 14 and 15 classes start at 11 a.m., all others at 5 p.m.)

Session 4: May 19, 20, 26, 29, and 30. (May 29 and 30 classes start at 4:30 p.m., all others at 10 a.m.) Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling the JFK Aquatic Center at (973) 733-6550, however, walk-ins on the first day of each session are acceptable. "Residents who attain these lifelong skills will gain the unique opportunity to safeguard the lives of others," Mayor Baraka said. "I urge all of our residents to get involved with this program, and learn these valuable skills because you may save a life. Help make Newark a stronger and safer city by learning how to save lives."

Participants must be on time and participate in all classes per session. They must also demonstrate competency in all skills/activities, attend all sessions, complete final rescue skill scenarios and pass all exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent. The prerequisite drill, administered at the beginning of the first class, will require participants to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing, using the front crawl, breast stroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Participants must also tread water for two minutes, using only the legs, complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds, and surface dive, feet or head first to a depth of seven to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Failure to pass all parts of this drill will disqualify the participant from taking the course. Participants must bring swimwear, cap, and a towel, to all classes.

"Lifeguards are needed at the City's swimming pools and at the City's Camp Watershed, located in West Milford," said Director Council. "For teenagers and college students, working as a summer lifeguard can be a way to help pay for school and tuition expenses, while performing valuable and life-saving community service at the same time."