Free Red Cross ‘Guard Start' program for seventh-graders

Hardyston — The Sussex County YMCA will offer a free American Red Cross Guard Start course for seven-graders in Sussex County schools or home school equivalents. Classes are once a week and begin the week of March 6 and end the last week in April. Interested students can choose to come Saturdays, 12 noon until 1 p.m. or on Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. (days are not interchangeable). The program is intended to teach key skills and professional attitudes of successful lifeguards. From this course, seventh-graders will further enhance their decision-making and communication skills. They will also learn basic emergency response techniques and how to prevent diving accidents and drowning. For more information, call 973-209-9622.