Implementing A Junior Lifeguard Program
A lifesaver for tweens and teens confined to camp during the pandemic
By Marissa Allaben and Matt Rothenberg
Photos: Rolling River Day Camp
Long Island, N.Y., is known for its beautiful beaches, freshwater lakes, and miles of scenic waterfront. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that most local parents prioritize “learning to swim” as a critical skill for their kids. At Rolling River Day Camp, located on the South Shore of Long Island, aquatic instruction is the core element of the camp program. All campers swim twice a day at the on-site pool complex. The Red Cross-certified lifeguards teach swim instruction in the morning and supervise free swim in the afternoon. Many campers even sign up for private, one-on-one lessons before or after camp to further develop their confidence in the water.
Establishing A Need For A Junior Lifeguard Program
The consistency of daily swim instruction and a focus on water-safety skills yields exponential progress for campers 2 to 9 years old. Yet, there is often a roadblock when developing an adequate swim program for tween and teen campers (known at Rolling River as the “Navigator Division”). At this age range, the vast majority of campers are proficient swimmers. Additionally, the pool complex does not offer deep-water diving or lap lanes—activities that are more suitable for older campers.
The tween/teen swim program has not been a main focus for staff members since the division’s off-campus trip schedule limited time at the pool. However, the COVID-19 pandemic regulations for summer 2020 put this issue at the forefront, as campers were suddenly restricted to on-campus activities only. More than 75 campers ages 10 to 14 were swimming twice daily. It was crucial to get these advanced swimmers excited about the pool and engaged in meaningful instruction. After much research, the aquatic team implemented a “Junior Lifeguard Program” for this age group, with guidance and programming from the American Red Cross training services.
Running The Program
According to the American Red Cross, junior lifeguarding is “designed for kids ages 11-14 and helps to build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards.” The goal of the program is to introduce campers to lifesaving skills and allow participants to shadow lifeguards in order to gain a real sense of the job. The course can be offered over multiple days or weeks and can be taught by any experienced lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor.
At Rolling River, the Junior Lifeguard Program runs for four of the six weeks of the camp season. The first step assesses the camper’s swimming ability to ensure the minimum skill and endurance requirements are met. It was decided that a camper must have reached a Level 5 or Level 6 on the American Red Cross swim-level chart to participate in the program. Mandatory prerequisites include the following:
Swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously
Swim the breaststroke for 25 yards
Tread water for one minute using arms and legs
Swim on the back for 25 yards using elementary backstroke
Submerge and swim a distance of 10 feet under water.
The next step introduces life-saving skills. This includes an interactive session that does not take place in the pool. An instructor discusses why it is important to understand these fundamental skills and a basic outline of the types of skills needed to be a lifeguard. Discussion points include the following:
Understanding that a lifeguard job has a higher level of responsibility than most other jobs since one is responsible for the safety and well-being of other people
Problem-solving techniques in emergency and high-stress situations
Leadership-development strategies, as lifeguards are ranked first in line at the pool
Activities that encourage and foster teamwork
Communication techniques (both face-to-face and using non-verbal cues, such as hand signals).
The final step is to practice the lifeguard and life-saving skills. Campers are encouraged to utilize both the pool and the pool deck as platforms for rehearsing specific techniques. Activities include the following:
Practicing different types of entries into the water using a lifeguard rescue tube or board
Active drowning-victim rescues vs. submerged-victim rescues
Utilizing tools to assist distressed swimmers
Analyzing what to look for in a swimmer who may need assistance
Front escape vs. rear escape
Submerged-brick retrieval required to pass the lifeguard test.
Success And Future Plans
The program has proven to be successful for a variety of reasons:
Campers looked forward to swim instruction since the programming was new and challenging.
The program taught valuable aquatic skills, as well as important life skills.
The program encouraged campers to work as a team and develop strong bonds with camp lifeguards.
Since lifeguarding demands endurance in the water, the instruction served as a fun way for campers to exercise.
Implementing the program created a feeder to recruit future lifeguard candidates.
With an incredible amount of local competition due to beach clubs, town pools, and country clubs, encouraging campers to follow a lifeguard track ultimately saves time and money to fill an essential role at camp.
Several updates and changes to enhance the program will include the following:
Offering the program as an elective or hobby to recruit the most interested campers
Adding first aid, CPR, and AED training to the curriculum
Distributing T-shirts or sweatshirts that read “Junior Lifeguard,” if campers complete the program to indirectly promote the program outside of camp
Incentivizing campers to stay on the lifeguard track with higher compensation as a CIT or counselor.
Based on the program’s success, the goal is to continue offering junior lifeguarding within the aquatic program. The camp looks forward to playing an essential role in the next generation of lifeguards at both Rolling River and the surrounding Long Island community.
Marissa Allaben is the Director of Rolling River Day Camp. She oversees operations and programming for 35+ unique camp activities, offered to children ages 2 to 15.
Matt Rothenberg is the Waterfront Supervisor at Rolling River Day Camp. Matt holds certifications in Water Safety Instruction and lifeguarding. He also is a licensed American Red Cross instructor for first aid, CPR, and AED training.
For more information about Rolling River Day Camp, contact camp@rollingriver.com or visit www.rollingriver.com.
*American Red Cross Junior Lifeguarding Reference- https://www.redcross.org/