This isn’t a way for students to get out of gym. It’s training for a job.

A new class offered by Hamilton High School is sink or swim – literally.

For the first time, students can earn physical education credits toward graduation by learning how to be lifeguards at the Fitton YMCA, across the street from the Butler County school.

Participants also earn YMCA Lifeguard certification and a likely job this coming summer at an area pool.

“This collaboration is a win–win for all parties involved. The students receive high school credit and employment readiness skills and the YMCA receives trained employees, and the school district is able to offer an innovative and cost effective option for their students,” said Samantha Knoche, Greater Miami Valley YMCA association aquatics specialist.

The five-week-long class is being offered free of charge – normally it costs about $200 - to the students, with funding from Hamilton schools.

Samy Broyles, community and program director for the YMCA, said, “we were happy to collaborate with the school district who has been very helpful and accommodating with our idea. We’ve been working with Mike Holbrook, Hamilton High School assistant superintendent, and Principal John Wilhelm and others since late last year to bring this program to fruition.”

Tyler Tripli, a junior in the program who recently stood poolside at the YMCA, described the new program as “pretty amazing.”

“We get the opportunity to learn how to save people’s lives over a month span,” said Tripli.

Joni Copas, spokeswoman for Hamilton Schools, said, “the Great Miami Valley YMCA came to us to share that they had a lifeguard shortage so we partnered with them to offer a lifeguarding class for our students.”

“Not only does this collaboration help them in their needs, but it benefits our students who receive Physical Education credit for graduation and provides them a job skill for employment,” Copas said.

While the current class ends March 2, the next class begins April 9 and runs through May 10. Students age 16 or above who are interested in participating should see their Hamilton High School guidance counselors. If the student is 15 but will be turning 16 by May 10, he or she is eligible to participate, said YMCA officials.

VIDEO: See the watery classroom that is Hamilton High School’s newest gym class option @journal-news.com

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