Week Two

Another week (and a few days) into my Disney College Program experience and it was eventful! I started my week with an orientation of Caribbean Beach Resort where I will be working. It turns out that I will be specifically working there for my program instead of at all three resorts, Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach. Back in Janurary they split the region into two separate parts, Caribbean and the other two, and staff Cast Members that way.

Next I spent three longggg and educational days in my Ellis Lifeguard Certification class. We spent a significant amount of time learning CPR and rescue breathing in case of an emergency situation. We also spent ALOT of time in the water learning saves and practicing for our final test out for our Lifeguard license. Three days in the sun started my awkward lifeguard swimsuit tan lines, which is pretty awesome. :) After the three day class we had our final CPR/AR test, written test and water test. I passed all three, thankfully!

After becoming an official Ellis certified Lifeguard, I spent three days learning the in's and out's of my resort pool at Caribbean Beach. Each pool and each resort has specific guidelines for guarding. Caribbean has one pool and an Aquatic Play Area (APA) that is staffed with guards. Pool one is a roving stand, where we walk around the pool for the duration of our time at that pool due to blind spots from the pirate themed structure. Pool 2 and Pool 3 are tradtion stands and have water slides. The APA needs a guard to enforce height rules along with some other rules. 

After spending the first two days learning the ropes at the resort I had a test out on the third day to show I was able to perform all the duties of a lifeguard at Caribbean Beach I passed! :) After all that training I was still nervous about starting my first day of work. Nothing eventful happened, of course. I'm still a little nervous about what the next few months will bring but I'm looking forward to it!

My costume consists of a one piece, red swimming suit, red shorts, white polo, red hat, nametag and whistle/hippack. It was all provided. I 1000% washed the swimsuit. Weirded me out at first, decided to get over it because I had too. I also wear crocs.. probably the best part. Not stylish but comfortable, so I can't complain too much. Rain jackets and pants are provided for rain (obviously) and when it gets cold. 

In other non-lifeguard related news my roommates and I are getting along well and I am meeting a lot of new people. Housing events are fun and offer the chance to meet others in the program and get free stuff. Gotta love free stuff! During the whole month of August there will be new College Program participants moving in, so we will be getting even more new neighbors. Woohoo! 

Still really enjoying the perk of getting into the parks for free and I am planning on fully utilizing that power in the months to come. I <3 DISNEY!