Register for Ocean Rescue Junior Lifeguard Program

Register now for the city’s January 21-March 12 Ocean Rescue Junior Lifeguard program at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center (AFC). Classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the center.

The program focuses on people ages 9-15 who enjoy the beach and ocean, and who would like to learn water safety and lifesaving skills, including CPR, while also participating in fun games and activities. For successful participants, the program can also offer a path to eventual seasonal employment as one of the city’s paid ocean lifeguards (age 16-plus).

The North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Department sponsors the program and Beach Patrol Officers teach the classes. 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.

PRETEST REQUIREMENT—

Saturday, Jan. 11, 3:00 p.m. at the AFC: All participants who are new to the Junior Lifeguard program must perform a 50-yard (two laps of the pool) swim test to demonstrate swimming ability. Participants do not have to be fast swimmers, but must be comfortable enough in the water in order to ensure a safe and fun learning environment.

LESSON DATES AND CONTENT—

Lesson 1 (Jan. 21) – All Lessons are 6:45 p.m.-8:15 p.m.

Welcome and Orientation, Recognizing Emergencies, Victim Recognition, Lifeguard Equipment, Reaching Assists.

Lesson 2 (Jan. 23) Knowing your Environment, RID Factor, Surveillance and Scanning, Throwing Assists.

Lesson 3 (Jan. 28) General Procedures, Entering the Water, Entries and Approaches

Lesson 4 (Jan. 30) Procedures for an Emergency, Primary Assessment.

Lesson 5 (Feb. 4) Emergency Action Plan, Rescues at or Near the Surface.

Lesson 6 (Feb. 6) Educating Others, Conflict Resolution, FIND Model, Injury Prevention, Submerged Victim Shallow Water.

Lesson 7 (Feb. 11) Walking Assist, Two Person Removal from Water, Escapes.

Lesson 8 (Feb. 13) Conscious Choking, Ventilation, Unconscious Choking.

Lesson 9 (Feb. 18) The Cardiac Chain, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Using an Automated External Defibrillator.

Lesson 10 (Feb. 20) Facility Safety Check, Preparation for Shadowing, Currents.

Lesson 11 (Feb. 25) Handling Difficult Situations, Aquatic Hazards.

Lesson 12 (Feb. 27) First Aid, Secondary Assessment.

Lesson 13 (March 3) Head, Neck and Back Injuries.

Lesson 14 (March 5) Preparation for Shadowing, Skills Review.

Lesson 15 (March 10) Course Review, Make Up Day, Survival Floating.

Lesson 16, (March 12) Group Written Test, Final Skills.

PROGRAM COST—The cost for the program is $25. All participants receive a rash-guard swim shirt and a Junior Lifeguard manual, and new Junior Lifeguards receive a backpack.

QUESTIONS?—To learn more about the program, please email Lieutenant Corporal May Lauzon at melauzon@nmb.us

REGISTRATION