The Hilliker YMCA in Bellefontaine plans to hire up to eight new lifeguards to help staff the indoor pool and teach swim lessons.

The YMCA hasn’t had a regular swim lessons program in years, said Leia Lander, aquatic & youth director. By the end of October, she plans to offer lessons for children ages 3 and up as well as parent/child classes for infants. Classes will be available for all age levels.

“(Swim lessons) are a great way for kids to be involved and get active, especially with the Olympics this past summer generating interest (in swimming),” she said. “Right now we’re the only pool in this area that will be offering swim lessons.”

To launch the monthly classes, Lander said she’ll need to hire up to eight new lifeguards. Staffing issues don’t allow the Hilliker YMCA to offer lessons or even keep its indoor pool open during regular business hour. By generating new interest in swimming, she hopes more people will use the pool and a bigger staff will be required to accommodate that need.

“We’re a bit short staffed right now so we are looking for some good, qualified lifeguards,” Lander said. “I would like to have everybody who is a lifeguard teach swim lessons. That way we can say anybody who’s in our pool is also a certified lifeguard.”

Prior training as a lifeguard or swim instructor is preferred, but not required. A lifeguard, CPR and first-aid certification class will be offered at the YMCA beginning Nov. 10. Those who complete the courses will be certified as Red Cross lifeguards and would be eligible for a position at the pool, Lander said.

Beverly Mellum, a YMCA member whose daughter also works as a lifeguard, said the new jobs and swim lessons will be a positive for the facility.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “The pool is a beautiful facility and it’s open all year no matter what the weather.”

For more on swim lessons, to sign up for the class or to apply for one of the pool’s open positions, call the YMCA at (937) 592-9622 or visit hillikerymca.org.