MASON CITY – Several lifeguards of the Mason City Family Aquatic Center were notified by the headquarters of American Red Cross this weekend that their lifeguard certification was being revoked immediately. The Red Cross has determined that the lifeguard instructor failed to deliver the class in accordance with all applicable Lifeguard training requirements for certification.
Due to this error in the training, the American Red Cross has revoked staff lifeguard certifications issued by this instructor. Unfortunately, the majority of certifications for staff at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center were obtained through this instructor at the Mason City YMCA.
According to city administrator Aaron Burnett, “We have been informed Christina Coleman was the instructor in question.”
Mason City Recreation staff is in contact with the national headquarters of the Red Cross and is working towards getting lifeguard staff the proper training needed to reopen. Multiple instructors have been hired to certify staff as quickly as possible. We are anticipating to re-open the aquatic center Tuesday, July 25th.
City staff is currently assessing swim lessons and an email will be sent out to registered families to let them know how this will affect people enrolled in the third session.
