1pm- 4pm, Monday- Thursday

Grades 6-9

* If you are joining us from another program, we’ll start with a classroom portion where you can eat a lunch from home

Want to learn more about what Lifeguarding is all about?  We’ll teach you!  Join our amazing aquatics staff as we teach you what to look for, how to rescue a swimmer in distress, how to safely monitor a pool, and more.  You must pass a swim prerequisite to take this course.  

This course will not certify anyone to be a lifeguard. Junior Lifeguarding will introduce participants to:

• The skills needed for entry to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.
• Communication, teamwork and decision-making skills.
• The basic responsibilities of a lifeguard.
• The basic knowledge and skills required to participate in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course.

Before entering Junior Lifeguarding, participants must demonstrate the following skills:

• Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side.
• Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards using a pull, breathe, kick and glide sequence.
• Complete the Water Competency Sequence:

1. Step into water from the side and totally submerge.
2. Maintain position for one minute by treading water or floating (or a combination of the two).
3. Rotate one full turn and orient to the exit.
4. Level off and swim on the front or back 25 yards.
5. Exit without using a ladder or steps.

Upon registration please email Aquatics Coordinator Jeff Fiore – jfiore@stjohnsprep.org to schedule a water competency test, or if your camper is attending Eagles/Edge programs prior to their Junior Lifeguarding class, they can be tested then. 

Successful completion requires participation in skills practice. The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your family health-care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or if there are questions about fully participating in Junior Lifeguarding, please contact Jeff Fiore – jfiore@stjohnsprep.org to discuss this before the program begins.

After completing all of the Junior Lifeguarding course requirements and turning 15 years of age, participants will be prepared to enroll in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course, where the knowledge and skills of a lifeguard will be taught.

This session can be attended as a stand alone, or added to a clinic or Senior Eagle/CIT enrollment.