Los Angeles, CA — After hearing from parents worried that the LA County Junior Lifeguard program would be canceled once again this summer, Supervisor Janice Hahn wants the County to find a way to reinstate the important youth program safely.
“I actually think that Junior Lifeguards is something we can figure out how to do safely,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “It made sense to cancel the program last summer, but now we have a better idea of how to prevent the spread of this virus and how we can reduce the risk of outdoor activities. If we can do it safely, I think we owe it to our kids to get Junior Lifeguards back up and running this year.”
Supervisor Hahn read in an urgency motion which passed unanimously during today’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The motion directs the LA County Fire Department, consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management to report back in 30 days on how to safely resume the LA County Junior Lifeguard program this summer. The report back should include public safety protocols and information about any staffing reallocations required to resume the Junior Lifeguard program.
The Junior Guard Program is offered to all boys and girls in Los Angeles County. The program is designed to instruct youth (ages 9 through 17) in beach and ocean skills. The program provides instruction in water safety, swimming, body surfing, surfing, physical conditioning, competition skills, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR and the use of professional Lifesaving equipment.