MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The hot sun shines out of a cloudless sky, warming black inner tubes until they are almost too hot to touch. Colorful beach balls bounce in a leisurely fashion back and forth between happily sunburned people.
Summer will soon be here, bringing with it a legion of new recreational opportunities. And among the options available to Station residents are aquatics.
The IronWorks Gym hosts a variety of water-based sports and fun activities, said Kari Hemund, Station aquatics director.
The Station has one indoor and two outdoor pools, and boasts year-round swimming lessons, lifeguard and instructor certification classes and open water scuba diving classes from May to October, Hemund said.
Additionally, during the summer, the gym will host Camp Adventure. During the camp, a series of two-week group swim lessons for residents of all ages will be available.
"Camp Adventure usually generates a very high interest level," said Hemund, who recommends signing up early for the course. "Last year, we had as many as 184 students in one session, and I want to break that number this year."
Lifeguard training courses are held once a month. Once an individual completes the class, he or she will be proficient in basic first aid, oxygen administration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of the automated external defibrillator and will receive a Basic Lifeguard Certification, Hemund said.
"Training to become a lifeguard is difficult, but rewarding," said the Elkhart, Ind., native. "We're always looking for people to teach."
Ryan Fuesting, air traffic control communication technician here, works as a lifeguard and swim instructor during his time off. Fuesting, 25, completed his lifeguard training December 2002. He believes lifeguarding is serious work.
"It's a great responsibility," he said. "Your job is to protect those people, and to go in and save their lives, if necessary."
The opportunity to scuba dive adds special variety to standard aquatics courses such as swimming, lifeguard and swim instructor classes, said Hemund.
Marines, Sailors and family members may advance through different levels of scuba diving - beginning with a basic certification and ending with rescue divers.
Swimming laps and taking advantage of free-swim time are also popular fitness choices, said Hemund. Swimming provides a full body workout, and improves cardiovascular endurance.
Young people who desire an extra challenge may join the Youth Swim Team, which competes with local Japanese teams and teams from military bases throughout Japan.
At any time during the year, Station residents may also reserve a pool for personal or unit use, Hemund added.