OVERVIEW
The Junior Lifesaving Academy will provide high-level instruction in the dynamic ocean environment from expert watermen and waterwomen with formal teaching experience. Program instructors will guide students through a curriculum focusing on ocean safety, ocean conditions, medical skills, lifeguarding skills, and surf skills over the course of two weeks. All program instructors are professional ocean lifeguards with extensive experience in teaching, lifesaving, surf racing, and surfing.
The program will offer tiered learning for children with a range of previous experiences, ages 9 to 17. Low student to instructor ratios coupled with high quality instruction will ensure a positive, challenging, and attuned learning experience allowing participants to get the individual attention needed to grow confident, strong and ocean safe. Focus for novices will be ocean safety and surf competency. Participants with previous junior lifeguarding experience will be guided toward proficiency and excellence in the dynamic ocean environment.
The Junior Lifesaving Program consists of two levels. Level 1 will introduce participants to the skills and lessons outlined below. Level 2 will dive deep into the skills portion of the program.
OCEAN SAFETY
- Risk assessment of ocean conditions
- Ripcurrent identification
- Safe ripcurrent exit
- Breath hold and wave deconfliction
OCEAN CONDITIONS
- Wave origin and swell direction
- Lateral currents
- Bathymetry near shore
- Basic marine meteorology
- Marine Biology
MEDICAL
- Activation of EMS
- Bleeding control and wound management
- Stabilization of orthopedic injuries
- Hands only CPR
OCEAN SKILLS
- Effective surf entries
- Effective ocean swimming
- Body surfing
- Paddle stroke technique
- Paddle board surf negotiation
- Surfing
BEACH LOCATIONS
MANHATTAN BEACH
6th Street
HERMOSA BEACH
TBD
REDONDO BEACH
Avenue E
PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS
Admission to the program is limited. Participants must meet minimum fitness requirements.
AGE GROUPS
Rookies – Age 9-11
Surf Lifesavers – Age 12-13
Surf Racers – Age 14-17
SWIM & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
100 YARD POOL SWIM
Rookies / 1:50:00
Surf Lifesavers / 1:40:00
Surf Racers / 1:30:00
SURFACE DIVE REQUIREMENT
7ft surface dive
*Swim test requirements not necessary for past participants of the LA County Jr. Lifeguard Program. Detailed fitness requirement information forthcoming.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Instructor photos & bios coming soon…
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
DATES
TBD – Within two weeks of beach reopening
SCHEDULE
Monday – Friday | 2 Consecutive Weeks
8AM-11AM & 1PM-4PM
*Schedule subject to change
PROGRAM FEES
2-Week Program Fee (Level 1 Only)
$1,875 per participant
4-Week Program Fee (Level 1 & 2)
$3,250 per participant
Fee Includes:
- Uniform (Athletic Shirt & Hat)
- Certificate of Completion
APPLICATION & INQUIRY FORM
Use the “Apply Now” button below to be added to our contact list. No payment will be taken at this time and your application does not secure or guarantee a spot in the program. As the beach reopening schedule becomes more clear, we will update you with exact program details and application forms. Please Contact Us if you have any questions about the program.