Sussex Academy students earn lifesaving certifications along with grades 

By taking advantage of the campus aquatic center, students in Sussex Academy’s swim fitness class earn lifesaving certifications along with physical education credits.

The course builds on fitness concepts and water, said physical education teacher and swim team coach Stephanie Hartsoe, who supervises students with aquatic center certified lifeguard instructor Guy Gosselin.

“It's been great getting kids back in the water during the school day,” said Hartsoe. “Being able to teach lifesaving skills and fundamentals to swimmers and non-swimmers is so beneficial to the area around here.” 

In the fall, students Lillie Bradley, Noah Bailey, Anthony Tattoli and Claudia Warren signed up for the course, which certifies successful pupils in CPR, first aid and lifeguarding. All four students, who are also members of the Sussex Academy swim team, passed with flying colors.

The course includes class instruction along with online instruction and pool time, where students work on swim conditioning, lap swimming and lifesaving skills with infant- and adult-size mannequins. Eligible students must be at least 15 years old and must be able to first pass several timed and untimed swimming and treading prerequisites. 

“The kids were all for getting in and working hard,” Hartsoe said. “They were prepared to be in the pool working alone or with a team to rescue, do rapid extractions and the backboarding of individuals. They work hard in the classroom learning CPR and first aid.”