Junior Lifeguard Program
The Junior Lifeguard Program is a two-week program offered to youth, ages 9 to 17. Training is held at Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex pool, located at 501 Seabreeze Boulevard. Class times are 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with drop off beginning at 8:30 am.
Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue is conducting three two-week sessions in 2011. You may register for any one of the two-week sessions to held on June 13 - 24, June 27 - July 8, and July 11 - 22. The sign-up date it is April 23 at 10 am at Ocean Rescue Headquarters, 501 Seabreeze Blvd. You must sign up in person.
Since 1985, the goal of the program has been to teach ocean safety skills. Training activities are consistent with ocean lifeguard requirements, including running, swimming, paddleboard use, kayak paddling, rescue buoy technique, shallow-water entry and surf dash approach training. Recreational activities, such as volleyball, kickball, dodge ball, snorkeling, and beach flags, are also a part of the program.
The basic requirements for participation in the FLOR Junior Lifeguard Program are as follows:
- Ability to swim 100 yards in under or around two minutes.
- Ability to tread water for a minimum of five minutes.
- Ability to swim continuously 25 feet under water.
The cost to participate in the program is $125 per child. Registration, which is on a first-come, first-served basis, is limited to 50 participants.
On the last day of the program, an inter-squad Junior Lifeguard Competition is held. This is a voluntary event and includes the same disciplines that professional lifeguards use when participating in their tournaments. The competition is a relay-race format and emphasis is placed on fun, teamwork, and participation.
There will also be a regional Junior Lifeguard championship, date to be announced, with junior lifeguards from all over South Florida participating.
For more information about the FLOR Junior Lifeguard Program or the above competitions, please call our office 954-828-4595, or contact Lt. Matthew Parnass at MParnass@fortlauderdale.gov.
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