Working at the YMCA – Matthew Baird WPI

Most people are familiar with the YMCA because of the song, and many people have visited a local YMCA to take advantage of the facilities they offer. Matthew Baird WPI knows that many YMCA’s offer a swimming pool, gym, basketball courts, batting cages, tennis courts, and other athletics facilities, at a reasonable cost, or sometimes for free. This is a great service in Matthew Baird WPI’s opinion, because many people can’t afford to pay $100 or more a month for a gym membership to stay active. Matthew Baird WPI is also glad that neighborhood kids are able to use the facilities to play sports and develop their skills, since without a YMCA they might not have the facilities necessary. Some neighborhoods can’t afford to maintain a baseball diamond or basketball courts, so it is great, in Matthew Baird WPI’s opinion, that the YMCA can provide this service.

At the YMCA in Stoughton, MA, Matthew Baird WPI worked as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. This was in 2009,  after he graduated from Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton, MA. As a lifeguard, Matthew Baird WPI was responsible for the safety of any kids or adults using the pool during his shift. Lifeguards like Matthew Baird WPI are fully trained and certified in CPR and rescue techniques, as well as first aid, so that they can administer any needed care in the case of an emergency. Matthew Baird WPI was also responsible for enforcing the rules of the pool, to reduce the chances of an accident or emergency. In this way, Matthew Baird WPI helped to keep the YMCA pool safe for kids and adults to have a fun time and cool off in the summer, without unnecessary risks or danger. Although he no longer works as a lifeguard, Matthew Baird WPI really enjoyed his time at the YMCA in Stoughton, and values the skills that he learned while working there.