Ocean Rescue Captain: mhudson@seabrightnj.org
CERTIFIED
SEA BRIGHT
OCEAN RESCUE
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM Ages 7 - 16
Curriculum and Activities:
The primary goal of the Junior Lifeguard program is to prevent childhood drowning, this is our primary goal and main focus. Our junior guards are trained to manage personal risk as they learn how to deal with water hazards such as waves and ocean currents. Teaching hydrology and ocean respect by surfing, boogie-boarding, paddling, and swimming are just some of the ways we accomplish our primary goal.
Sea Bright's Junior Lifeguards will participate in numerous fun filled activities designed to teach them hydrology, rip current survival, water confidence, team work and ocean safety. JG's will spend a vast majority of their time in the Atlantic however classroom training in CPR and first aid will be scheduled throughout the session.
Competitions:
Sea Bright Junior Lifeguards have the opportunity to travel to other beaches for competitions with other local JG programs. Two competition field trips are scheduled per session.
Our Junior lifeguards have won several top placing medals and proven themselves as some of the fastest kids on the beach and in the water.
Swim Test and Rip Current Survival:
Each Junior Lifeguard must take the JG swim test to begin their session. The swim test is held on the first Monday and it's distance is based on age group appropriate criteria. The JG is only required to complete the swim. There is no time limit, however........
.....your child must be able to swim continuously for at least 6 minutes unassisted, this is our only safety requirement for entry into the program.
Whenever rip currents present in the Atlantic we take the opportunity to put the junior guards in the water as much as possible. Our JG instructor staff will provide safety and intensive instruction on how to identify and escape a rip current. During our famous "rip swims" our older JGs learn how to survive and escape even the biggest of rips with the aid of rescue fins and progressive skills instruction.
Our instructors teach our JG's how to navigate in the open water as all swimming events are held in the ocean. We do not teach the individual JG how to swim as a rule, they must come with basic swimming skills.
Nipper Junior Surf Lifesaving Program Ages 12-16
Junior Surf Lifesavers (the JG must complete one regular session and try-out)
Our Nipper Junior Lifesaving program is reserved for those Junior guards that have the ability and motivation to become ocean lifesavers. The term "Nipper" is a nickname used to refer to the younger surf club lifeguards (JGs) of New Zealand and Australia. Our program has adopted the same training philosophies as our Aussie and Kiwi colleagues. SBOR introduces a whole new level of purpose and accountability to our Nipper candidates . The American Nipper program was drafted by former Aussie lifeguard and former USLA SER ECC Florida beach safety chief and JG program coordinator, Gary Wise.
The Nippers will complete about 40 hours of training and testing following much of the same standards as our Rookie ocean lifeguards. Upon completion of training and only after testing, Nippers will be invited to volunteer on the weekends assisting our lifeguards on busy days.
Nippers have proven themselves since 2015 as a legitimate part of our end of season lifeguard operations. Nippers will never staff lifeguard stands by themselves and are are not responsible for water observation.
Medical Certification
Nippers will complete both American Heart Association Heart Saver First-Aid certification and CPR/AED certification courses. Nippers are also taught how to take a leadership roll during an emergency and will progress through many realistic scenarios designed to teach them confidence and prioritization.
Nipper Junior Surf Lifesaving Test
The goal of the lifesaving test is for the JG to earn their place on the beach as a public safety volunteer. The Nipper test is a comprehensive evaluation which will clear the JG for unlimited volunteer shifts assisting SBOR's lifeguards on busy days. The lifesaving test is designed to test the NIpper's ability to make basic water rescues and self rescue in less than desirable situations.
If the new Junior Surf Lifesaver chooses to volunteer, their hours are documented for any high school graduation requirment or college entry pre-requisite.
Nippers will be given first opportunity for employment as an Ocean Lifeguard once they reach their 16th birthday pending passing scores on all tests. .
2019 Junior Lifeguard Program Dates, Times and Costs:
Dates and Hours - Session 1:
Monday thru Friday 9 am to 12 pm
Dates here : 2019
Swim Test scheduled first Monday Session 1
Dates and Hours - Session 2:
Monday thru Friday 9 am to 12 pm
Dates Here: 2019
Swim Test scheduled first Monday Session 2
Nipper Program:
Tryouts and Screening DATE 2019
Session runs Monday thru Friday 9 am to 3 pm
Nippers may be scheduled for 1 weekend-day patrol training shift. TBD
2019 NIPPER Junior SURF LIFESAVING TEST
Dates Here 2019
10 am to 4 pm