MISSION STATEMENT:

We provide a safe and informative educational atmosphere for our youth to experience and learn about the hazards and natural wonders of our coastal environment.

 

PROGRAM CONTENT:

The Okaloosa Beach Safety Division in partnership with Okaloosa 4H and the United States Lifesaving Association hosted a very successful Junior Lifeguard Program during the summer of 2011. Over 90 youth ages 9 to 17 years old participated in the program and many attended more than one session with promises to return in 2012. The students and staff had a great time together and learned more than they ever thought they would. We are eagerly anticipating the 2012 program.

The program focuses on teaching our youth the importance of our local beaches and inland waters as well as educate on the inherent hazards of each environment. Junior Lifeguards will receive personal instruction in beach familiarization, CPR and AED training, the development of self rescue, general rescue, paddle board, and open water skills. Junior Lifeguards will also work side by side with real working Okaloosa County Lifeguards and tour other rescue related public safety facilities such as the Coastguard Station, the Island Fire Department, and Gulf Flight.  We will also travel to Vortex Springs in Ponce de Leon, FL at the end of each session for inland waters snorkeling trip and cookout. While all of the candidates will be constantly supervised and monitored by our professional and highly experienced Senior Lifeguard and Officer staff, we encourage parent participation as well and welcome those who wish to volunteer time to the program (especially during the field trips). We look forward to seeing you on the beach.

PROGRAM LOCATION:

Program headquarters is at the Okaloosa County Beach Safety / Sheriff’s Office Substation at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway on Okaloosa Island. Most days are spent in and around the waters of the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Throughout the program we will visit other County beaches and rescue organizations to become aware of the opportunities and hazards that exist along Okaloosa County’s coast.

INSTRUCTION:

Our Instructors are Professional Okaloosa County Beach Safety Lifeguards who have been chosen to work with the Junior Lifeguard Program based on their work history in sports and fitness education as well as their lifeguarding experience and desire to work as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor.

DATES AND TIMES:

Session I - June 18, 2012 - June 29, 2012

Session II - July 16, 2012 – July 27, 2012

Enhanced Session: Attends both session one and two above.

Advanced Session: June 18, 2012 – July 27, 2012

Advanced Session: Returning Junior Lifeguards from previous year who have completed at least two full sessions will participate in advanced training, leadership roles during regular sessions, patrol with Senior Lifeguards, and prepare for the Junior Lifeguard Competitions in the middle of July.

The Program runs Monday through Friday. Session I and II: 8:00 am to Noon.
                                             Enhanced and Advanced: Noon to 4:00 pm.

ENROLLMENT FEES:

Tuition for one session is $175.

Tuition for the Enhanced Session (session one and two) is $250.

Tuition for the Advanced Session is $300

A $50 processing fee will apply to refund requests after:

June 22 for Session One or the Enhanced Session

July 20 for Session Two

A $10 non refundable USLA membership is included.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Our program is open to girls and boys ages 9 through 17 years.

Newcomers to the program must attend one of our Tryouts (swim assessment) and pass the swimming requirements listed below.

Returning students do not need to attend a Tryout. A qualification swim will be required on day one of each session.

* Swim distance is 200 meters over a measured course in the Gulf of Mexico.

 TRYOUTS:

We hold our tryouts at the Boardwalk Tower on Okaloosa Island.
Tryouts are at 9am to 10am on the dates below.

 

Saturday, May 26, 2012	Boardwalk Tower	1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island
Saturday, June 2, 2012	Boardwalk Tower	1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island
Saturday, June 9, 2012	Boardwalk Tower	1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island

 UNIFORMS:

Okaloosa Junior Lifeguards are required to wear a uniform during class. The uniforms consist of blue shorts with T-shirts which will be provided by the program. For girls, a blue one piece swimsuit to be worn under the uniform is required and is not provided by the program. Goggles are not required but are strongly suggested in order to be able to participate in all of the swimming activities.

OPEN HOUSE:

Once you have registered with us please plan on attending our Open House to receive uniform items and information. The dates for Open House are:

Friday, June 15, 2012 for Session One, Enhanced, and Advanced Sessions.

Friday, July 13, 2012 for Session Two only

The time of the Open House is anytime between 4:00 pm-5:00 pm. The location will be at the Okaloosa County Beach Safety / Sheriff’s Office Substation at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway on Okaloosa Island.

REGISTRATION/FORMS:

Enrollment is limited to 40 candidates per session. To assure your first choice of classes we recommend that you register by June 2nd for Session 1 and Session 2. Payment in full is due by June 15th for Session 1 and by July 13th for Session 2. Vacancies existing after the payment deadline will be filled on a first come first serve basis and will require payment in full at the time of registration. A waiting list may occur for closed sessions. Contact the Lifeguard Supervisor Charles (Rich) Huffnagle at the phone number and email listed below for further information.

New students must successfully complete the swim test. However to secure a position, new students should submit registration and payment by the suggested dates. (Acceptance is based on successful completion of the swim test and a full refund is given if the student is unable to pass the swim assessment).

The Okaloosa Junior Lifeguard Application  and the Okaloosa 4H Participation forms both include a waivers of liability and must be completed, signed by a parent or legal guardian, and submitted with payment to Okaloosa Junior Lifeguard Representatives at the tryouts.

 
If you have any questions please contact.

Lindsey Smith
Junior Lifeguard Coordinator
850-830-7652
email: lindseysmith818@gmail.com

Megan Vermaas
Assistant Coordinator
850 259-3999
email: mvermaas@co.okaloosa.fl.us