Youngstown teens complete scuba diving certification

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Organizers of a program to teach young people to become lifeguards are hoping their recent successes will encourage more kids to enroll.

Friday morning, seven students with the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy showed off some of their skills as recently-certified scuba divers. Organizers of the course say these teenagers are making history in the Valley by pursuing something few inner-city young people ever want to try.

“And I do not know of any young people that age here in the Mahoning Valley that’s participating in learning to be a scuba diver, dive master or master diver,” said Kevin Tarpley of the Youngstown Lifeguard Academy.

Earlier this year, Mahoning County Commissioners donated $50,000 in American Rescue funds to support the academy.

Organizers hope to train another 60 cadets and expand their program into Trumbull County as well.

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