Now in its seventh year, the program is geared towards people ages 10-15 who enjoy the beach and ocean, and who would like to develop ocean lifeguard skills. For successful participants, the program can also offer a path to eventual seasonal employment as one of the city's Ocean Lifeguards (age 16-plus).
The program is sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department and is conducted by its Beach Patrol Officers. Several trained and experienced Ocean Lifeguards also assist in teaching the program.
Participants engage in fun physical exercises that encourage them to work in teams, build confidence, and learn lifesaving skills.
The June 12-22 classes will be held 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. daily on the beach at 7th Avenue South, with the exception of June 15 when participants will meet at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to learn CPR and First Aid. Participants should bring a lunch or snack with them on June 15.
New program participants will take a basic swim test on June 10, 3:00 p.m. at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center. Participants will be asked to swim 100 yards without a life jacket or other flotation support in order to display the swimming competency necessary to ensure a safe learning experience.
After successful completion of the June 12-22 classes, Junior Lifeguards may elect to "shadow" one of the city's trained, experienced Ocean Lifeguards on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 28-August 11, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. During shadow time, Junior Lifeguards may assist their Ocean Lifeguard in basic duties, such as, water surveillance, informing beach-goers about beach safety, and other activities. Junior Lifeguards are not allowed to participate in active rescues.
To register for the June 12-22 Junior Lifeguard classes, drop by the city's Beach Services warehouse located at the corner of 6th Avenue South and Bay Street in North Myrtle Beach. Call ahead at 843-280-5684.
For more information, please contact Beach Patrol Officer May Lauzon at 843-503-3086 or via email at melauzon@nmb.us.
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