DAYTONA BEACH Youths between 9 and 15 who are looking for sun, fun and education might find an end to summertime boredom in the Junior Lifeguard Program. Professional lifeguards will teach water safety and first aid techniques during week-long camps in June and July. Junior lifeguards also will participate in daily team relays involving surfboard paddling, swimming, running and beach flags.
Beach Services Director Kevin Sweat said the camps can help build self-confidence and prepare interested youths for work as lifeguards.
The Junior Lifeguard Program is not a “learn to swim” program. To qualify, junior lifeguards must be able to swim 100 yards within two minutes, 15 seconds; tread water for five minutes; and swim under water 10 feet.
Youths must attend one of the following tryout sessions:
* 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, May 8, at the Port Orange YMCA, 4701 City Center Parkway
* 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Deltona YMCA, 280 Wolf Pack Run
* 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, May 15, at the Ormond Beach YMCA, 51 Center St.
* 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the DeLand YMCA, 761 International Speedway Blvd.
* 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, May 22, at the Port Orange YMCA
* 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at the Ormond Beach YMCA
Enrollment is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon completion of the physical skills test, a $125 tuition fee will be due. Selected youths may enroll in one of the following camps, which will be from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday:
* June 14 - 18 or July 5 - 9 at the Ormond Beach lifeguard station
* June 21 - 25 or July 12 - 16 at the Dunlawton lifeguard station
* June 28 - July 2 at the New Smyrna Beach lifeguard station
For more information, please contact the Volusia County Beach Patrol at jrlifeguard@co.volusia.fl.us or 386-239-6414, ext. 270