Aquatic activities have always been an important part of my life. My background and love for aquatic activities have started from a young age and continued into adulthood. My parents are both pretty good swimmers. They believed that it was always important for my brother and I to start to learn how to swim at an early age. We started out taking lessons at Keystone Oaks High school in the fall and spring. In summer we would take lessons at Dormont Pool. The lessons were from the Red Cross Preschool Program and the Learn to Swim Program with levels going from levels 1-6. After that when I turned 15 I got certified in lifeguarding at Dormont Pool. I worked there for 7 years as a life guard, manager for 1 year, and teaching swim lessons for 8 years. I also worked at my local high school for 5 years and also taught swim lessons for 5 years there. My certifications in the field of aquatics include Blood borne pathogens, emergency oxygen, CPR for the professional rescuer, lifeguarding, LGI, WSI, and CPO certification. The community Castle Shannon as a whole had a pretty good interested in swimming and recreational activities that involve water. We had a good Red Cross Preschool Program and the Learn to Swim Program with levels going from levels 1-6. We had a really good competitive swim club called the KOA Swim Club for young kids wanted to train, and learn how to be better competitive swimmers. However, are school system didn’t really talk about swimming until 9th grade. It was the traditional tread water swim laps type of deal. It was too exciting as a student to participate in it at all. Overall I like my hometown aquatic program I would give it a B grade. I feel like we have a lot of good programs after the school day. I feel though that in order for kids to get a better understanding of water safety they need to learn more in school about ways to stay safe in water. My school system lacks spreading the word on drowning prevention at a younger age.Specialties: Lifeguard, coaching