The days are getting longer and warmer, which means beach days and pool parties are just around the corner. As fun as a family beach day sounds, it can also be nerve-wracking if you have children who haven’t mastered water safety. Fortunately, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is bringing back their popular Junior Lake Lifeguard Program for ages 9 – 17 at three freshwater lakes throughout L.A. County.
The Junior Lake Lifeguard Program started in 1990 to give youth the opportunity to learn water safety, connect with each other and have fun. The program not only teaches youth important water safety skills, but it also trains them to obtain the skills to become a real lifeguard. Lifeguard staff teach participants first aide, CPR, rescue skills, athleticism, and teamwork. Having the classes at nearby lakes gives a space for youth who live far away from the coast to participate in the popular program.
Online registration for tryouts opens today, Friday, April 16 at http://reservations.lacounty.gov. Youth participants are required to pass tryouts to register. Free tryouts will be held at Norman Johnson Aquatic Center in Arcadia and at Castaic Aquatic Center in Castaic.
The summer program offers three 2-week sessions held at freshwater lakes located at Castaic Lake Recreation Area, Frank G. Boneli Regional Park and Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. This year’s program will have smaller group sizes to accommodate COVID-19 health guidelines. Face coverings for instructors are required, except during swimming, eating or drinking. Participants and instructors will participate in daily health and temperature screenings.
For more information about tryouts, safety protocols, or pricing, visit the L.A. County Parks and Recreation Junior Lifeguards website.
