Lifeguard training class being offered

Spokane County is looking for a few good swimmers.

The county’s Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a lifeguard course Monday through Aug. 26 to train people for next year’s swim season.

County lifeguards work about 12 weeks each summer and this year earned a starting wage of $7.75 per hour, said Spokane County Recreation Manager Randy Johnson. Experienced managers make $9.75 an hour.

Though the county’s lake sites open in mid-June, plans call for operating the new Bidwell Pool earlier than that next year.

The pool will be open on weekends only from Memorial Day until kids get out of school, and then seven days a week thereafter, Johnson said.

This year, the new pool, just off Highway 395, will open Friday and remain open through Aug. 31. The 153,000-gallon pool cost $2.4 million and is the first new Spokane County pool in about 40 years.

Pool hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is $4, or $2 for children 5 and younger.

Free tours will be offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Johnson said he hopes to attract high school students living near the Bidwell pool to train and apply for next year’s lifeguard jobs.

The lifeguard class will be held at the Bidwell pool, 18120 N. Hatch Road. Cost is $65, plus $15 for a Red Cross card and the cost of books. Register at the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department, 404 N. Havana St.