ThisWeek CW 10/11/2012
Groveport lifeguards have once again won the American Red Cross lifeguard competition for the state of Ohio.
Aquatics manager James Berry led two teams of Groveport Aquatics Center lifeguards to first- and second-place finishes in this year’s state competition. “I want to commend the teams for a job well done,” Berry said. “I’m happy to announce that this is the fourth state victory for Groveport in the past five years.”
The first-place team included Jacob Frye, Ben Witosky, Alan George and Andrew James. The second-place team included Michael George, Jonathan Horne, Jacob Perry and Atticus Murphy.
Groveport bested 22 central Ohio teams to qualify for the state competition, where 14 teams from across Ohio competed in the finals. “Our lifeguards range from 15 years old to college-age students home for the summer,” Berry said. “Some of our older guards are getting ready to graduate, so it’s good to see the younger ones are stepping up into their shoes.”
Groveport Parks and Recreation Department Director Kyle Lund said the lifeguards put quite a bit of time into their efforts. “Not only do they have to get certified by the state and Red Cross, but they have to work throughout the year, as well as attending classes, to maintain this level of excellence,” Lund said.