Registration Underway for North Myrtle Beach Summer Junior Lifeguard Training Camp

Registration is underway for the Summer North Myrtle Beach Junior Lifeguard Training Camp, managed by the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department’s Beach Patrol. The training camp is open to people ages 10-15.

Summer registration will be held at the Beach Services Warehouse, 6th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach. Call 843-280-5684 for directions.

To qualify to participate in the training camp, a person must be able to tread water continuously for three minutes, swim 100 yards continuously using front crawl with rhythmic breathing, and complete a 20 yard brick tow. The Junior Lifeguard program can serve as a pathway for a successful graduate to become a member of the City’s paid summer ocean lifeguard program when a graduate reaches employment age and meets ocean lifeguard qualifying requirements.

Junior Lifeguard Training Camp participants will be trained in proper stroke mechanics; reaching, walking and throwing assists; caring for head, neck and back injuries; how to escape a rip current; water safety; rescue board techniques; first aid; basic rescue skills; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and automated external defibrillation. Participants who successfully complete the course will be certified in American Red Cross adult and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The Summer Training Camp schedule is as follows:

• June 11— Qualification Swim Test 3:00 p.m. at the NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center

(Individuals who previously participated will not be required to complete the swim test).

• June 13-15— 7th Avenue South on the beach from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. daily
• June 16— J. Bryan Floyd Community Center
• June 20-23, 7th Avenue South on the beach from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. daily
• Participants must attend all classes to be eligible for graduation.

Participants should bring with them to training camp swim goggles, towel, an extra change of clothes, swim cap, sunscreen, and water or a sport drink. It is recommended that females wear one piece bathing suits during aquatic activities.

The Summer Registration Fee is $25.00. Checks made payable to: NMB Beach Services. The registration fee includes a Junior Lifeguard backpack that will be issued to those participants who successfully complete the training camp.

Participants are also encouraged to join the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA). USLA is a nonprofit lifeguard association promoting safety, education and training.

Training Camp graduates are also eligible to participate in the Lifeguard Shadow Program, which is held Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., during the summer months.

For more information, contact the Beach Patrol at (843) 281-3820.  Information is also available at www.nmboceanrescue.com and www.Facebook.com/northmyrtlebeachoceanlifeguards