Need a summer job for your teen? Raleigh's lifeguard training program is open

Raleigh is offering its lifeguard training program for teens as young as 15, and now is the time to sign up.

The Seasonal Aquatic Vocational Education, or S.A.V.E., program is a free program that trains teens and adults to become lifeguards.

To qualify, participants must be 15 or older and, according to the city's website:

• Pass City of Raleigh controlled substance and background tests.
• Swim 300 continuously with rhythmic breathing, freestyle and breaststroke, not stopping.
• Tread water using only legs for two minutes.
• Swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10 lb. object from the bottom of the pool, return object to starting position and exit the water in 1 min 40 seconds.
• Work 155 hours for City of Raleigh Aquatics Program upon completion of the class.

In addition to qualifying for a job once they've completed the program, teens also gain lots of other skills. I have several friends whose teens have gone through the program, and they speak very highly of it.

More information, including an online application, is on the city's website. Tryouts are scheduled once the online application is received.