Photo submitted to the Times Observer Along with Thad Turner is YMCA Aquatics Director Danielle Mumford (Dani). Turner expressed his sincere appreciation for Mumford as an employee at the Warren YMCA.

On May 15 and 16, the Warren County YMCA will offer a lifeguard certification course that will not only provide skills to be a lifeguard, but also the opportunity to train in the water with Warren YMCA CEO Thad Turner.

Turner is a former Navy Seal and part of a National Children’s Rescue team, actor, and stuntman for Netflix Series Madame Secretary and the Black List.

The lifeguard training he will provide will aid the youth as a lifeguard at the YMCA. Turner will be doing the water portion of the training this year.

“This is a very unique opportunity for area teens who would like to add this to their college application, having trained with a former Navy Seal,” said Kim Slocum, Warren YMCA grant, and marketing coordinator. “The YMCA will also be introducing the lifeguards to the YMCA board of directors. Leaders in our community that support all of the YMCA’s community efforts. This is important that these youth are recognized for the important role they will be playing at the Y in keeping children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities safe in the area pools.”

The Warren YMCA not only operates the pool at the Y but the Warren City CAR Pool as well. There is a national shortage of lifeguards everywhere.

Many teens with certifications go off to college and have jobs immediately. Becoming a lifeguard is more than just a job and earning money, it provides teens with skills that are transferable for any career path they may take – such as building confidence, leadership, and improving their ability to work as part of a team.

Along with Turner is YMCA aquatics director Danielle Mumford (Dani). Turner expressed his sincere appreciation for Mumford as an employee at the Warren YMCA.

Any youth interested in becoming a lifeguard and having a job must be 16 years old. Register at the front desk at the Y and pass the May fourth pretest. There is a fee for the certification, but Mumford offers a reimbursement program where the individual can earn their certification fee.

“We want anyone who wants to be a lifeguard to be able to do it. We don’t want them not to able to get certified because they can’t afford it, we will figure something out said,” Turner said.

Any questions about this program calls can be made to the Warren YMCA at 814-726-0110.