PEORIA, Ill. — There’s a new pathway to jobs for Peoria Public Schools students wanting to become lifeguards.
On Monday night, the school board unanimously approved an agreement with the Peoria Park District, but leaders say the program could end up providing more than just employment.
Following a shortage of lifeguards over the summer, PPS is helping students fill the gap. The district has partnered with the park district to create a new “Earn While You Learn” lifeguard program.
“That’s going to solve the lifeguard shortage, it’s going to increase the partnership between Peoria Park District,” School Board President Gregory Wilson told news partner 25 News.
High school students in the program will take swim lessons and go through training to prepare them for the lifeguard certification test. And one of the best parts, Wilson says, it’s free.
“You get the fitness aspect of it, but you also get the benefit of being employed,” Wilson continued, “These critical young times where you want a paycheck to buy new clothes or games.”
The park district said when students pass, the goal is for them to have a direct path to a job. And those students will get paid for learning.
“The possibilities are endless when it comes to this program,” Wilson said.
Wilson hopes the program will eventually make swimming a mandatory curriculum for K-12 students.
Wilson also said students who complete the program, can use their certification at any pool.
