The Habersham County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) Department’s lifeguard team did ‘swimmingly’ well at the recent Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s (GRPA) Summer Lifeguard Competition. The team placed second in the competition held at Spivey Splash Waterpark in Jonesboro.
“This is the first year HCPR has participated in the GRPA Lifeguard Games, and we are thrilled to have brought home an award,” says HCPR Director Brooke Whitmire. “We had the privilege of inviting eight lifeguards from Tallulah Falls School to join our team, representing Habersham County with honor and distinction.”
Despite having only a few weeks of training together, the combined team departed for Jonesboro on July 10 for the event that brought together lifeguards from across Georgia.
An immersive experience
The competition offered a unique platform to showcase lifeguarding skills, encompassing events such as pulling a weighted mannequin up a waterslide, CPR and backboard tests, and an obstacle course that included swimming against the current in the lazy river.
Katy Ralston, Tallulah Falls School Natatorium Director, chaperoned the team and reported that Habersham County received perfect scores in the lifesaving skills portions of CPR and backboard tests.
“This opportunity gave lifeguards the experience and exposure to lifeguards who are good at their work, like their work, and it gave them a chance to be immersed in the environment,” says Ralston.
“It was amazing to see how quick and efficient our team and other teams can be when an emergency takes place,” says TFS lifeguard and rising sophomore Carsyn Griffis.
Whitmire says she’s grateful for the rec department’s partnership with Tallulah Falls School.
“TFS additions played a significant role in shaping our team, and we are immensely thankful for their collaboration.”
She adds that the recreation department looks forward to continuing to support these lifeguards in their pursuit of excellence and dedication to ensuring the community’s safety.
