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WELCOME TO YOUNGSTOWN LIFEGUARD ACADEMY
BECOME A CERTIFIED LIFEGUARD TODAY
Enroll Now for Professional Training
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ABOUT YOUNGSTOWN LIFEGUARD ACADEMY
Youngstown Lifeguard Academy is a non-profit organization located at 6 W. Federal Street, 11th Floor, Suite 1100, Youngstown Ohio 44503. Their mission is to increase the number of vulnerable underserved youth and young adults ages 15-24 years, who learn and master the skills to swim while developing personally in Leadership, and Community Service to improve Economic Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. The Youngstown Lifeguard Academy is an award-winning program that aims to revive lifeguarding and create career pathways for youth.
The former Honorable Kevin A. Tarpley, I is an former American Red Cross, Water Safety Instructor. He served as a Lifeguard for the former Youngstown Parks and Recreation Commission as a lifeguard at the Former Lincoln Pool starting in 1977. He was recruited to serve as the National Youth Coordinator for YouthBuild, USA. He returned to Youngstown in January 2019. Chief Barry F. Finley encouraged him to start the Academy sooner than, later. Because of the need for lifeguards at our last remaining public pool.
Become a Professonial Lifeguard
Swim Conditioning a 144 Day Commitment
YLA Candidates Commitment
Before YLA Candidates take the actual Lifeguard Class under Shaw Chrystal, American Red Cross, Lifeguard Instructor. They must commit to 144 Days of Swim and Physical Conditioning.
Lifeguard Class at Northside Pool
The Youngstown Lifeguard Academy is an affiliate of the American Red Cross. Our Instructors Captain Sierra Williams and Shawn Chrystal hold summer classes with our Community Partner, the Youngstown Park and Recreation Department at Northside Pool for community youth and adults as well as those needing extra time to complete certification.
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All Swim Conditioning sessions are lead by Youth Founder, former Academy Captain and current Mentor/Recruiter, Luther C. Bell on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday at downtown YMCA.
Become a Certified Scuba Diver
Come feel the excitement of achievement and make history. Lieutenant Triplett is overcome with joy while Commander Bell watches in pride and excitement for her.
Train as a team through individual effort.
Commander, Roger A. Bell locked in after becoming a certified Advanced Scuba Diver. He plans to becoming a Marine Archologist. Plans to attend Florida University
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The new Youngstown Lifeguard Academy, Dive Team
Mahoning County Commissioners; Anthony Traficanti and Dave Ditzler congratulating the new Academy Dive Team and Cadet, Anthony "Chief" Jones, YLA Dive Team Leader.
Certified Pool Operator Certification
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Academy members will gain the opportunity to earn a certification as a certified Pool Operator, which will set them up for employment as a Pool Manager, Aquatic Facility, Pool Maintenance Technician earning potentially in Ohio $47,000.00. Southeastern United States potentially $65,000.00 annually. A license is good for 5 years.
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Captain, Alisia Haydu setting up pumpkins for the
Youngstown Parks and Recreation Department,
Trail of Treats 2023.
YLA volunteering at YPRD, Breakfast with Santa 2023
Commander, Roger A. Bell confers
with YPRD, Director, Clement Franklin prior to starting his volunteer hours at the annual Trail of Treats at the historic Wick Park.
More YLA Community Service Projects
Captain Haydu and Coach, Kevin Cunningham pass out ice cream at the YPRD, Trail of Treats
Commander Bell and Coach Kevin arrive to volunteer at the NAACP community fundraiser
Commander Bell and Coach Kevin take the role as Traffic Controller for the NAACP Fundrasier.
More YLA Community Service
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On October 31, 2023, Cadet Jones was part of the Mahoning County Sheriff Dive Team that responded to a drowning, which became a recovery of a 21 year old man in Jackson Township. This became his first recovery. Here he is been presented with his Sheriff Dive Team Shirt by his Commander, Robert Hovanec at his HomeTown Hero ceremony by Channel 33.
Cadet, Anthony "Chief" Jones. Mahoning County Sheriff Dive Team Member
More YLA Community Service
Cadet Jones arriving at Treasure Cove, Niles, Ohio to assist with training new Academy Scuba candidates.
Coach Bell and Commander Bell speaking to students at Urban Academy about becoming lifeguards, scuba divers, and certified pool operators.
New YLA Scuba Divers demostrate for the Mahoning County commissioners at Northside Pool
More Community Service through spoken leadership
July 2023, Roger A. Bell assumes his new role as Commander of the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy
By November 2023, he is presenting the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy as a solution to address the lifeguard national shortage and employment opportunity for inner-city youth and young adults to the National Association of Workforce Providers at their Youth Symposium.
Helping in the Community
Coach Luther C. Bell, the founding youth member of the Academy is now a Coach. Here he is at the Needle's Eye helping to lead a Winter Coat Give out. This is his first Community Service as staff of the Academy. His growth continues.
Coach Bell confers with YLA Coach Kevin Cunningham and Needle's Eye staff about the process so that he can better inform Academy members and candidate about their roles as volunteers during event.
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