Middle School Junior Lifeguard Semester Program & Strengthening Course

Welcome to the “Middle School Junior Lifeguard Semester Program” with Wrangell Parks & Recreation. This course will build on the water competency sequence outlined by the American Red Cross throughout the first few weeks of delivery. Students should expect to refine their stroke, increase their endurance, and become more confident swimmers before heading into the Junior Lifeguard Course.

The largest section of the course will be focused on the theoretical and practical skills outlined by the American Red Cross Junior Lifeguard Certification. This course will teach water safety and introduce participants to the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard; however, this course will not certify anyone to be a lifeguard. It will build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills in preparation for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.

Classes will rotate between land and in-water skills. Students will learn the fundamentals of lifeguard skills including but not limited to entries and approaches, active and passive victim rescues, surface and submerged victim rescues, CPR and AED skills and application, and First Aid. Additionally, students will learn teamwork and leadership skills, how to prioritize care and strategizing next steps in critical situations.

The Junior Guard Program is offered during the zero-hour class period (7:45AM-8:30AM) of Wrangell Public Schools Regular Bell Schedule through Wrangell Parks & Recreation. Classes will be held at the Swimming Pool each day. Students will be evaluated throughout the course. Evaluations will include “Effort & Attitude” and “Actual Achievement”. Successful completion requires participation in skills practice. The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your family health-care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or if there are questions about fully participating in Junior Lifeguarding, please contact me to discuss this before the program begins.

Kate Thomas and Lucy Robinson, American Red Cross and Jeff Ellis Certified
907-874-2444
kthomas@wrangell.com / recreation@wrangell.com

American Red Cross Junior Lifeguarding is designed to guide youth to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills for future lifeguards. Participants are not required to master or perfectly execute skills. They should learn techniques and build stamina during this program. The Junior Lifeguarding course does not certify participants in first aid, CPR or AED or as a lifeguard.

Junior Lifeguarding is an effective transition from upper-level Learn-to-Swim courses to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program, challenging, and encouraging participants to stay involved with aquatics. The course also provides the participating agency with a known group from which to recruit future lifeguards.
Junior Lifeguarding will introduce participants to:

• The skills needed for entry to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.
• Communication, teamwork and decision-making skills.
• The basic responsibilities of a lifeguard.
• The basic knowledge and skills required to participate in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.

Junior Lifeguarding is designed for youths 11 years of age, or those who have completed the 5th grade through 14 years of age. Junior Lifeguarding involves a significant amount of physical activity. Participants should receive information about health requirements and safety before they start the course.

Before entering Junior Lifeguarding, participants must demonstrate the following skills:

• Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side.
• Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence.
• Complete the Water Competency Sequence.

Complete the water competency sequence without stopping.

1. Step into water from the side and totally submerge.
2. Maintain position for one minute by treading water or floating (or a combination of the two).
3. Rotate one full turn and orient to the exit.
4. Level off and swim on the front or back 25 yards.
5. Exit without using a ladder or steps.

Special Note: Students who wish to participate in the course, that are unable to complete the “water competency” steps may be able to audit the course so long as the safety and progress of the course participants is not compromised. Confirmation of course participation is at the discretion of the instructor.

Junior Lifeguarding is approximately 30 hours, 45 minutes in length, including the precourse session. There are 15 lessons of 2 hours each plus the 45-minute precourse session. Each lesson includes dry land and in-water activities with the exception of the lesson focused on first aid.

*SC- Swim Conditioning *JG-Junior Lifeguard Course *ST- Strength Training
Week 1 August 25th & 26th SC Class Introduction, Stroke Mechanics & Conditioning
Week 2 August 29th- September 2nd SC Conditioning & Water Competency Sequence
Week 3 September 5th- September 9th JG Lesson 1 (2hrs. 20min.) & JG Lesson 2 (2hrs. 10min.)
Week 4 September 12th-September 16th JG Lesson 3 (2hrs. 45min.) & JG Lesson 4 (2hrs.)
Week 5 September 19th-September 23rd JG Lesson 4 (2hrs.) & JG Lesson 5 (2hrs. 10min.)
Week 6 September 26th-September 30th JG Lesson 5 (2hrs. 10min.) & JG Lesson 6 (2hrs. 5min.)
Week 7 October 3rd - October 7th JG Lesson 6 (2hrs. 5min.) & JG Lesson 7 (2hrs. 10min.)
Week 8 October 10th - October 14th JG Lesson 7 (2hrs. 10min.) & JG Lesson 8 (2hrs.)
Week 9 October 17th - October 21st JG Lesson 8 (2hrs.) & JG Lesson 9 (2hrs. 55min.)
Week 10 October 24th - October 28th JG Lesson 9 (2hrs. 55min.)
Week 11 October 31st - November 4th JG Lesson 10 (2hrs.) & Lesson 11 (2hrs.)
Week 12 November 7th – November 11th JG Lesson 12 (2hrs.) & JG Lesson 13 (2hrs.) &
Week 13 November 14th- November 18th JG Lesson 14 (2hrs.) & JG Lesson 15 (1hr. 45min.)
Week 14 Nov 21st-25th (Off 24th & 25th) Contingency Week
Week 15 November 28th- December 2nd Strength Training & Conditioning (Pool closed for maintenance. Classes will be focused on injury prevention, body mechanics and strength building with body weight)
Week 16 December 5th- December 9th Strength Training & Conditioning
Week 17 December 12th- December 16th Strength Training & Conditioning
Christmas Vacation December 19th-31st