Junior lifeguard programs teach children aged 9-14 about water safety, first aid, and CPR. They also learn rescue techniques, practice water recreation, and must be strong swimmers. The programs aim to encourage future employment as certified lifeguards.
A junior lifeguard is someone typically between the ages of 9 and 14 who participates in a swim safety program sponsored by a local lifeguard association. During this type of program, students learn about water safety, basic first aid, and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). They often participate in a variety of activities that cultivate their interest in becoming a lifeguard one day. Classes are taught by certified lifeguards.
One of the most common activities for a junior lifeguard is learning about first aid and CPR. The junior lifeguard learns to care for an injured person at the beach or pool. He or she is also taught how to administer CPR, a life-saving technique used for people who have stopped breathing.
Junior lifeguard programs are designed to encourage interest in future jobs as certified lifeguards. For this reason, lifeguard instructors teach rescue techniques to children. Junior lifeguards learn how to save drowning people, how to determine if a swimming area is too dangerous to enter, and how to rescue people using a foot pedal or throwing device. Junior lifeguards also learn how to prevent accidents from happening in and around the water.
Water safety, first aid and CPR are not the only activities available when participating in a junior lifeguard program. Young swimmers also have the opportunity to practice water recreation. For example, they can participate in water games, surfing and bodyboarding. Junior beach lifeguards can even learn about the impact of pollution on the ocean or marine biology. Of course, a junior lifeguard program usually leaves time for children to participate in informal swimming times as well.
Children interested in becoming junior lifeguards must be strong swimmers. Each program has its own entry requirements, but most require applicants to have the ability to swim 100 yards (91.4 m) in no more than two minutes. Young swimmers who wish to participate may also need to swim underwater for at least 9.14 m. They must be in good physical condition to safely participate in a junior lifeguard program.
Local lifeguard associations sponsor day camps and workshops for children to teach them water safety. On the other hand, they offer these programs in hopes of encouraging trained junior lifeguards to apply to become certified lifeguards when they are old enough to find employment. Since it is difficult to find reliable employees who want to stay with an organization, lifeguard associations train people from an early age. If junior lifeguards enjoy water safety and rescue work, they are more likely to apply to become certified lifeguards in the future. This provides lifeguard agencies with qualified and trained employees who will demonstrate loyalty to water recreation facilities.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
