WINTER 2006 - 2007|  Volume 3 : Issue 1

Sports Camper Completes Lifeguard Certification at ESF

Year in and year out swimming is one of the most popular activities at camp.  Both free swim and instructional swim prove to be a great way for campers to cool off and have fun on hot summer days.  During instructional swim, campers strive to learn as much as they can from their swim instructor each summer.  Throughout their summers spent in ESF pools, campers hope to pass through the different swim levels and become proficient swimmers. 

Traditionally the highest level a camper can pass in instructional swim is Dolphin.  There may only be a handful of swimmers who can pass through this rigorous swim level which combines advanced swimming techniques and basic life guarding skills. 

This past summer, history was made in the pool at Lawrenceville.  For the first time in ESF history, a camper was certified to become a lifeguard.  Chris McNulty, a fifteen year-old Sports Camper, passed his lifeguard certification during the last week of camp.  Chris attended ESF for many years and completed all of the swim levels and a guard start course prior to undertaking the life-guarding certification course this past summer. Chris worked hard all summer with Lawrenceville Aquatics Director Michelle Purvis to pass his certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Life-guarding.  In order to pass, Chris had to pass a rigorous swimming test, a written test, and a test in which he demonstrated various safety techniques. 

During the final week of camp, a ceremony was held at the Lawrenceville pool to officially present Chris with his certification.  All of Sports Camp, Chris’ parents, and the Aquatics Team were there to cheer him on.  This was not only a proud day for Chris but also for Aquatics Director Michelle Purvis who has worked with Chris since he first came to ESF in 1999.  Chris’s certification is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the ESF Aquatics staff.