Valley Stream pool workers make a splash

Like every ordinary summer in Valley Stream there are numerous staff members working at the village pool. Three pools are supervised every day by certified lifeguards who must be at least 16 years old. Most lifeguards teach swimming lessons as well for July and August sessions.

The pool offers Guppy swim lessons for children ages 18 months to 4 years old and Red Cross levels 1–6 classes for ages 5 to 12 years old. For Guppy classes, a parent is required to be in the water with the child.

The food court at the pool, D&J Refreshments, is a popular spot to work at along with lifeguarding.

The pool is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Marietta Cerami
Age: 20
School: SUNY New Paltz
Time at the pool: Sixth year.
Responsibilities: As manager for the concession stand she oversees the staff, takes care of daily finances and serves food and beverages.
Likes about the job: “That I work with all my friends, and our boss is a really nice guy,” Cerami said.

Tyler Andriano
Age: 17
School: Seaford High School
Time at the pool: First year.
Responsibilities: He is a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Guppies. “As a lifeguard to make sure everyone is safe and follows the rules,” Andriano said. “To be responsible for people’s lives if they are in danger.”
Likes about the job: “Everyone is really friendly and welcoming. It’s a nice environment,” he said.

Heather LaBarbera
Age: 16
School: Central
High School
Time at the pool: First year.
Responsibilities: She is a lifeguard and teaches Guppies swimming lessons. “Being the rookie we have to take the garbage out,” LaBarbera jokes about her and Tyler. She said she is responsible for making sure everyone is OK and that the children aren’t misbehaving.
Likes about the job: “The people are very inviting,” LaBarbera said. “It wasn’t hard to fit in. It’s enjoyable, you make friends here.”

Hember Salcedo
Age: 20
School: Nassau Community College
Time at the pool: Fifth year.
Responsibilities: He is a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Levels 3-4. Oversees the activity occurring in the pool and teaches swimming lessons. Makes sure the children enjoy being part of the community.
Likes about the job: “I love the environment. It’s a great place to work,” said Salcedo.

Samantha Lauro
Age: 19
School: Nassau Community College
Time at the pool: Second year.
Responsibilities: Serving customers at the food court at the pool.
Likes about the job: “I work with all my friends here, it’s fun. I work with people I know,” Lauro said.

Terrance Wagner
Age: 19
School: Kings College
Time at the pool: Fifth year.
Responsibilities: He is a lifeguard and swimming instructor for Level 1. “Make sure that everybody follows the rules,” Wagner said about being a lifeguard. “Make sure that it is the best environment for them to be in.”
Likes about the job: “It’s nice to see everybody getting along,” said Wagner about his co-workers. In addition, he said that most of the staff grew up there so it is really a privilege to work there.

Claire Kennedy
Age: 18
School: Susquehanna University
Time at the pool: Third year.
Responsibilities: Works at the front desk. “I check passes. I work in the office sometimes, register people for the pool and answer phones,” said Kennedy.
Likes about the job: Kennedy said she likes that it is an easy job and that there are flexible work hours. “It’s nice to be outside,” she added.