Registration is
underway for the Winter 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. Classes will be
held at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center January
26-March 15 on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:45 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Participants must attend all classes to be eligible for graduation.
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.
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
winter registration fee is $25. Checks should be made payable to: North
Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center. 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. A one year membership is $100.
For more information, contact the Beach Patrol at (843) 281-3820.