Seeing RED

The need For lifeguards amidst nationwide shortage

by Megan Hansson, First Coast YMCA Regional Aquatics Director, St. Johns County

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been around water. The pool, lake, the ocean…it didn’t matter – I’m a fish. I eventually turned my passion into a career and have been serving as an aquatics director for the YMCA for more than two decades. When an opportunity arose with the First Coast YMCA to serve in that capacity down here, I jumped at the chance. That was more than 10 years ago, and I’m just as excited to serve Y members in St. Johns County now as I was back then.

Like me, many of you have fond memories around water when you were younger. There are countless bodies of water down here (natural and man-made) and no doubt many of them factored into your birthday parties and summer cookouts. The reality is that many of those memories wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for a group of people who selflessly signed up to serve the community at-large as a lifeguard.

Unfortunately, there’s currently a shortage of lifeguards, both locally and across the country. The pandemic likely influenced that since many lifeguards didn’t re-certify when pools were closed. Now that pools are open again, we need more individuals to step forward and make sure that our pools are once again a safe resource for everyone in the community.

I do want to make one thing clear: working as a lifeguard isn’t reserved for high school or college kids. Anyone who is free a couple of hours each week and can pass the lifeguard certification can be one. Here at the St. Augustine YMCA, we have lifeguards of all ages – including retirees – who grab a whistle and make sure others can swim safely. Maybe you were a swimmer back in the day and wouldn’t mind returning to the pool every so often. We’ve got a spot for you and will pay for your certifications.

Now, back to all of you high school and college kids. I know you have a lot of options on where you can work. But think about the skills you’re learning on the job. Are they truly going to help you down the road? The skills and certifications you learn as a lifeguard are lifelong tools you can use to potentially save a life in and out of the water. Plus, you’re serving your community and making valuable connections. And did I mention it can help you maintain your fitness?

Being safe around bodies of water is a top priority for the First Coast YMCA. In addition to training and hiring lifeguards, the First Coast YMCA is also a great resource for people who don’t know how to swim. We offer swim lessons for members of all ages in our Safety Around Water program, which includes valuable water education that can help save another person’s life. If you’re interested in signing up to become a lifeguard or learning how to swim, please visit your local First Coast YMCA branch or visit fcymca. org for more information.

March 3 April 2

17TH ANNUAL ST. JOHNS ALL-COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW

The future of St. Augustine’s artists! All works of art are done by exceptional students in grades 9-12. The works in this gallerywide exhibit are bold, daring, and visually compelling, showcasing our students’ immense artistic talent. This exhibit is a community outreach partnership with the St. Johns County Schools and is sponsored by LeShane CPA. St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine Street in historic downtown. Also available at www.staaa.org. (check the website for hours) Free Admission

March 2

A History Of The Bicycle Through Caricatures At Lightner Museum

Shortly after the Civil War through the Gilded Age, the upstart bicycle evoked an exciting new world in which even a poor person could travel afar and at will without the aid of horses. Through period caricatures, David V. Herlihy, historian and author of Bicycle: The History, recounts the saga of this far-reaching invention and the hopes and passions it aroused. Guests will have the opportunity to view the current exhibition, Ride On! Historic Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection at 6 p.m. The lecture begins in the historic Alcazar swimming pool at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www. lightnermuseum.org

MARCH 3

First Friday Art Walk

Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/art-galleriesof-st-augustine

March 4

Guided Exploration Hike Of The Gtm Research Reserve

9-11 a.m., visitors can learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula as well as the natural biodiversity during a guided hike. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources, what European plantation life was like, and current efforts to learn about and save these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Reservations are required and space is limited. 904-380-8600 505 Guana River Rd.Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 www.gtmnerr.org

March 4

Menorcan Heritage Celebration 2023

Join the Menorcan Cultural Society from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum to commemorate the anniversary of the Menorcans arriving in Florida. Heritage food, entertainment and more. 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM/ Admission is free. 14 St. Francis St., St. Augustine. 904-540-3067 www. menorcansociety.net

MARCH 7 to 12

The Players Championship

Join us in March 2023 as golf’s greatest players compete at TPC Sawgrass, the home of THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. THE PLAYERS Championship features one of the most sought-after titles in professional golf.110 Championship Way

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / 904-2733235

MARCH 11 to 12

ST. AUGUSTINE ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL

Featuring handmade items such as ceramics, stained glass, photography, soaps and more at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach 352-344-0657 www. tnteventsinc.com

MARCH 11

ST. AUGUSTINE ST. PATRICK PARADE

Celebrating the anniversary of The First St. Patrick's Day celebration in America -1600, and the first recorded St. Patrick Parade in the WORLD, right here in 1601! And the ONLY St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Northeast Florida! The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Francis Field, heads East on Orange Street, turn South on Avenida Menendez and winds south along the bayfront, it then turns West on Cathedral Place, and back North on Cordova Street to finish at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. www. celticstaugustine.com/parade

March 18

NOCATEE FARMER'S MARKET

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Nocatee Station Field, enjoy a traditional market with a new and unique theme. Activities, shows, and demonstrations for the entire family. With so much to do, everyone is sure to have a great time. A wide variety of selections include the freshest locally grown produce and herbs as well as homemade jams, jellies, home-baked goods, hand-stitched quilts, plants, art, and pottery items. 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. www.facebook.com/ NocateeLiving

MARCH 25 to 26 2023 FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO

For gardeners of all ages with growers, nurseries and artisans from around the state offering shoppers every item to make your garden all it can be! Features a variety of vendors bringing a wide array of horticulture including olive trees, aquatic plants, herbs, ferns, succulents, citrus, colorful flowering plants, butterfly plants, native plants and more plus gardening accessories and art. There is a $5 admission fee per person, which is valid for both days of the Expo (Children are admitted for free)! 10 AM to 3 PM at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton www. epicbh.org/flower-garden-expo/

March 19

Rivertown Cars and Coffee

Riverhouse Amenity Center in Rivertown. Join other fellow residents and local enthusiasts for this free event, including free raffle tickets, swag and more. Come support Dreamcars4kids.org as our partnering charity and learn more about this incredible organization. Free for all to attend. Raffle tickets given to all spectators and participants. Spots reserved for those who are showing their vehicle. Please use side street parking for spectators and golf carts.

March 25

CARS & COFFEE AT THE CLASSIC CAR

MUSEUM OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Must love Coffee ~ Must love Classic Cars!

If you do then cruise over to Classic Car Museum for Cars & Coffee from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy the morning checking out over 150 beautiful classics, and enjoy free coffee and doughnuts. Classic Car Museum offers this free event every 4th Saturday of the month. Event sponsored by Bozard Lincoln. 4730 US 1 South, St. Augustine. 904-806-4625 www. facebook.com/classiccarmuseumstaug