Youngsters get some lifeguard training

Maddy Martin (center) practices CPR on a mannequin of an infant on Saturday at the East Side Fort Scott Fire Department station. Martin was one of 18 youngsters attending a lifeguard and CPR refresher course in preparation for the opening of the new pool. Youngsters also practiced on child- and adult-sized mannequins. Many had previously taken the course, so this served as brush-up. (Ruth Campbell/Tribune)

Before the new Fort Scott Municipal Pool opened on Monday, 18 youngsters prepared for the serious task of lifeguarding.

The four-day course included swim training and recertification in first aid and CPR. Youngsters practiced on infant, child and adult-sized mannequins at the East Side Fort Scott Fire Department station on Saturday with firefighters putting them through their paces.

Many participants have been lifeguards before. But this year, the pool has been replaced with one that can handle up to 400 people, instead of the 250 at the old facility, plus new slides, concession stands and other amenities.

"I just enjoy the work environment," Dan Lyon said, "being able to work at a pool I used to go to every day when I was little. I get paid to be a pool rat."

Michael Flater, another returning lifeguard, said he was looking forward to sitting poolside at the new aquatic center. "But it's going to be hectic the first few weeks, because there are newer attractions, a bigger capacity and there are going to be more kids," Flater said.