Lifeguard loves helping and interacting with people

Luther Heller has worn many hats in his life. He is currently a nurse and an EMT, and is also known about the town of Montour as its former mayor. 

In December of 2023, he added one more title –  a lifeguard at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.

Heller said he first became a member of the Y and decided to give lifeguarding a try when approached by Y Aquatics Director Shelley Lechnir.

“I like to help people and I like the interaction with people,” Heller said.

The 70-year-old said he loves the family atmosphere at the Y among staff and Y members. He often jokes back and forth with participants in the water exercise classes he either attends or works as a lifeguard.
“They give me grief and I give it back to them,” Heller said.
Heller is about ready to retire in his role as a nurse, but wants to continue to be a lifeguard and likes the flexible hours the job at the Y affords.

“It’s not terribly physically demanding, you just have to swim a little,” Heller said.

Lechnir said Luther is very popular around the facility with Y members and fellow staff members.

“He’s sociable and friendly,” Lechnir said. “He’s been a great addition to our aquatics family.”

The next lifeguard certification class at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA is March 21-23. It is free for those who enroll in employment at the Marshalltown Y afterwards.

The minimum age to be a lifeguard is 15. For more information contact Aquatics Director Shelley Lechnir at [email protected], 641-752-8658 or visit www.ymca-ywca.org/programs.