BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – While the Alabama Red Cross says the state is not seeing an overall shortage of lifeguards this summer, they group says certain communities, especially near the gulf, are short staffed.
The Red Cross is urging anyone interested in lifeguarding to give it a shot. They offer an online certification program, as well as a three-day course that involves online and in-person classes.
Annette Rowland with the Red Cross is a mother who used to be a lifeguard. She spoke first-hand on why certified, reliable lifeguards are so crucial.
“I turned around for two seconds to say something to a friend of mine, and my daughter had taken off her float vest because she had run inside to go get a snack,” Rowland said. “I turned around and said, ‘Where is she?’ She was under the water. There was no sound to be made.”
The mother said her daughter …