Welcome to the Junior Lifeguard Program with Wrangell Parks & Recreation.
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.
STUDENT EVALUATION & PARTICIPATION
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 us to discuss this before the program begins.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD COURSE DESCRIPTION
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
COURSE PARTICIPANTS
Junior Lifeguarding is designed for youth ages 11 to 14. Junior Lifeguarding involves a significant amount of physical activity. Participants should receive information about health requirements and safety before they start the course.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
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.
ITEMS TO BRING
- Lifeguard Manual, Pen, Paper
- Swimsuit, Towel, Goggles
- Snack, Water
- Sweats (optional) alternate between land and water skills
INSTRUCTOR CONTACT
- Instructors: Devyn Johnson and Lucy Robinson
- Office #907-874-2444
- Email: lrobinson@wrangell.com