Red Cross Certification: A Key Component of Junior Lifeguards Program

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing a fun and educational experience for local youth this summer through its Junior Lifeguards program. In addition to offering scholarships to eligible families, the program aims to equip children with essential water safety skills, including basic swimming techniques, ocean safety awareness, and emergency response training.

The Junior Lifeguards program is designed for children aged 7 to 17 who already know how to swim. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will gain valuable experience in a variety of activities, such as beach and water games, all led by professional lifeguards. To ensure that every child can participate safely and comfortably, the program has made available 135 swimsuits for those in need.

One of the key components of the Junior Lifeguards program is its focus on Red Cross certification. Participants will learn essential first aid techniques, as well as how to respond to an emergency situation. This training not only helps children stay safe while swimming, but also gives them a sense of confidence and preparedness that can benefit them throughout their lives.

In addition to the Junior Lifeguards program, the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is offering low-cost group swim lessons for children aged six months to 12 years old. These lessons are designed to teach young swimmers basic swimming skills and water safety practices, including ocean safety awareness and emergency response training.

According to Tony Sholl, Aquatics Supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara, knowing how to swim is a critical life skill that everyone should be able to learn, not just those who can afford it. 'Water safety is a top priority for us, and we want to ensure kids in our community have the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water,' he said.

The Junior Lifeguards program is part of a larger effort by the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department to promote water safety and prevent drowning incidents. In partnership with the PARC Foundation, the department is offering swim lesson scholarships to eligible residents who cannot afford the fee.

Overall, the Junior Lifeguards program offers a unique combination of fun, education, and Red Cross certification that can benefit children for years to come. By providing access to water safety programs and training, the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is helping to ensure that every child in the community has the skills and confidence they need to enjoy the ocean safely and responsibly.

Red cross certification