Each summer, approximately 1,000 kids join the Junior Lifeguards to learn there is more to the beach than wading, bodysurfing, salt air and suntan lotion.
Ranging in age from 9 to 17, the JGs, as they’re called, are instructed by professional lifeguards about beach safely, ocean and wave education, first aid, CPR and water rescue techniques ” plus the importance of keeping physically fit.
Officials say this valuable experience builds self-confidence and can even help students prepare for future employment, possibly as beach lifeguards
Most days are spent in and around the waters of Mission Bay at Santa Clara Place with day trips to La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Ocean Beach to experience different surf conditions. They’ll have snorkeling opportunities at the cove and can jump off Ocean Beach Pier.
The second session of the three-and-a-half-week program began July 23 and ends Aug. 17. Tuition for one session is $375 plus a $100 charge for uniforms. The tuition fee covers operations, paying lifeguards, instructors, interns, new equipment, scholarships and medical supplies.
“Developing confidence, mental and physical fitness and respect for one another and the coastal environment is important,” said coordinator James Murphy, a lifeguard off and on since 1978. During the school year he teaches history, government and economics at San Diego Jewish Academy.
“Our instructors are San Diego lifeguards who have been selected on their work history, lifeguarding experience and desire to work as instructors,” he said. “Besides the coordinator there’s a lieutenant and sergeant who head the program.
“The program was started with 20 kids in 1991 and progressed quickly after that,” said acting Sgt. Brian Zeller, a lifeguard for 10 years who has returned for a second two-year junior lifeguard stint.
Now there are 250 participants in each session. Before they can sign up, each prospective JG must pass a swimming test before they can participate in the program.
‘”There were six tryout dates,” Murphy said. “Minimum time requirements for swimming 100 yards range from 1 minute 20 seconds for cadets to 2:30 for newcomers.”
“We have people from all over the county and sometimes other countries.” Zeller said. “Our area of city jurisdiction is from Torrey Pines to Point Loma.”
“We couldn’t do the program without the interns, who are 16 and 17,” said Murphy. “The ratio is one instructor and one intern for every 20 students.”
JGs can become cadets at the next level, where extra demands are put on them in a two-week academy.
“Rip current, a river of water going back into the ocean, is a true test,” Murphy said. “For some of our JGs it can be difficult. We educate and diagram the rips. Most of the JGs pick it up real quick. After a week they’ll know how to negotiate out.”