Official

PARENT HANDBOOK

ENCINITAS LIFEGUARD SERVICE

SUMMER 2015

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CONTENTS:

1. CONTACT US

2. MISSION STATEMENT

3. AGE REQUIREMENTS

4. SESSION INFORMATION

5. REGISTRATION

6. THE OFFICIAL JUNIOR LIFEGUARD FIELD MANUAL

7. DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP

8. ATTENDANCE

9. SWIM TEST

10. INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION

11. PARTICIPATION

12. DAILY REQUIREMENTS

13. COMPETITION

14. UNIFORMS

15. DAILY INSTRUCTION

16. JUNIOR LIFEGUARD AIDE

17. SCHOLARSHIPS

18. DONATIONS

The 2014 Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Staff welcomes you

to another fun-packed summer at Moonlight Beach!

SEE YOU THERE!

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1. CONTACT US EMAIL EncinitasJG@cityofencinitas.org PHONE (760) 633-2752 WEBSITE EncinitasJG.com

2. MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Encinitas Junior Lifeguard Program is to educate participants about ocean and beach safety, while building self-confidence and appreciation for the dynamic ocean environment. The Junior Lifeguard Program introduces participants to safe marine and aquatic recreational activities such as: stretching, running, open water swimming, paddling, body surfing, surfing, boogie boarding, mock rescues, beach games and friendly competitions. In addition, the program is designed to improve the participant’s physical conditioning, their understanding and appreciation for the environment, and their respect for themselves and others.

Please Note: Teaching sessions and discussions are conducted daily. Be aware that we often need to adjust our program’s daily activities during periods of cold water temperatures and unfavorable ocean conditions in order to keep our participants safe. Throughout the program, instructors educate Junior Lifeguards about various topics pertaining to the ocean environment and on the job duties of an ocean lifeguard. Some of the topics include; CPR, first aid, marine life, and spinal immobilization skills. Junior Lifeguards are taught invaluable skills and techniques utilized by certified professional lifesavers.

3. AGE REQUIREMENTS

Junior Lifeguards range from nine to seventeen years old. Participants are divided into the following age groups:

GROUP A 14 – 17 Years GROUP B 12 – 13 Years GROUP C 9 – 11 Years

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4. SESSION INFORMATION

2 Week Sessions

Mornings

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Monday – Friday

Fees: Resident - $187.50, Non-Resident - $197.50

Session 1 - June 15 – June 26

Session 2 – June 29 - July 10 Session 3 - July 13 – July 24 Session 4 – July 27 - August 7 Session 5 - August 10 - August 21

Afternoons

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Monday – Friday

Fees: Resident - $187.50, Non-Resident - $197.50 Session 1 - June 15 – June 26

Session 2 – June 29 - July 10 Session 3 - July 13 – July 24 Session 4 – July 27 - August 7 Session 5 - August 10 - August 21

5. REGISTRATION

Registration begins April 6, 2015. No registration or transactions occur on-site at Moonlight Beach. All program registration is handled through the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department. You can register online at EncinitasParksandRec.com or in person at:

Parks and Recreation Department 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed alternating Fridays) Phone: (760) 633-2740

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Transfers may be processed prior to the second meeting date of a program and will not incur any fees if the transfer is to a program of equal or lesser value. Transfers to a program of greater value will include the program fee difference and an additional processing fee.

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Cancellations/Refunds – Activities are subject to change. A full refund will be given if the City cancels the activity. Refunds requested before the second program meeting date may be granted minus a $10.00 cancellation fee and $2.50 processing fee. Prorated refunds may be given for a medical reason, based on the number of unattended days. Doctor’s note required. No refunds will be issued for inclement weather or after the second program meeting. The City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to adjust the transfer/refund policy depending on upon the circumstances and the severity of the situation.

6. THE OFFICIAL JUNIOR LIFEGUARD FIELD MANUAL

At the beginning of each session, a Junior Lifeguard Field Manual will be distributed to all Junior Lifeguards. The manual contains lecture notes, daily activities, important upcoming events and information for Junior Guards and parents. Please make sure your JG receives the manual. Junior Guards are required to bring the Junior Lifeguard Field Manual everyday. There is an online version parents may access at: www.EncinitasJG.com

7. DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP LOCATIONS

The following locations are recommended for Pick-up:

Route A - A group – If your JG is 13 years or older, we recommend you use this route to drop off and pick up your JG(s)

A St. – This is the area near the volleyball courts on the North West end of Moonlight Beach.

Route B - A group – If your JG is 11-12 years old, we recommend you use this route to drop off and pick up your JG(s)

B St. – This is one of the main accesses coming from Encinitas Blvd. This access also tends to be the most crowded and hardest to drive in and out. There is an emergency access that needs to be kept clear at all times in case of an emergency.

Route C - A group – If your JG is 9-10 years old, we recommend you use this route to drop off and pick up your JG(s)

C St. – The turnaround at C Street is another popular area for pick-up. This access is on the South end of moonlight beach. This area is also

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known as the “Loop” and is equivalent to B st. in regards to crowd. The top parking lot is a great spot because parents can park and meet their Junior Guard at the “flag pole”, which is another landmark to communicate with the Junior Guards.

*Adjacent Streets – There are many adjacent streets near Moonlight. These areas work as terrific pick-ups if your Junior Guard is older and able to get to the location without assistance.

It is the sole responsibility of each parent or guardian to ensure safe travel for their child to and from the Junior Lifeguard Program each day. Please discuss a designated plan in advance each day with your child so they understand when and where to meet you. The Junior Lifeguard Program is not responsible for participants outside of the scheduled program hours and activities. Parents are responsible for their children immediately prior to and immediately following scheduled program hours.

8. ATTENDANCE

Attendance is recorded daily. Regular attendance is encouraged and will allow Junior Lifeguards to benefit fully from the program and their daily experiences. We understand that, on occasion, parents and participants may have other responsibilities.

9. SWIM TEST

WHO HAS TO TAKE THE SWIM TEST? – New participants only! Returning Junior Guards do not have to take the swim test. New participants are given a swim test to determine whether they possess the minimum skills needed to safely benefit from the program.

HOW SHOULD MY CHILD PREPARE FOR THE SWIM TEST? - We encourage parents to work with their children on their swimming skills before the beginning of the program to ensure that their children can pass the test with confidence. It is beneficial for any child to partake in swim lessons and to learn proper swimming technique. WHERE DOES THE SWIM TEST TAKE PLACE? - All swim tests are held at the Boys and Girls Club of Solana Beach, located at 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach CA 92075. (858) 755-9371.

WHEN ARE THE TRYOUT DATES? – Register for any one hour timeslot on one of the dates listed below. You can register online at

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www.EncinitasParksandRec.com . Choose any test/time prior to the beginning of your session.

Swim Test #1 June 13, 2015 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Swim Test #2 June 27, 2015 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Swim Test #3 July 11, 2015 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Swim Test #4 July 25, 2015 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR A SWIM TEST? – Yes, you must register for a test date and time prior to the beginning of your session.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD FOR A SWIM TEST? - Register online at: www.EncinitasParksandRec.com

WHAT DOES THE SWIM TEST CONSIST OF? Underwater Swim 5 Yards Ages: ALL Tread Water (no floating on back) 3 Minutes Ages: ALL 100 Yard Swim 2 Minutes 45 Seconds Ages: 9 -11 100 Yard Swim 2 Minutes 35 Seconds Ages: 12 - 13 100 Yard Swim 2 Minutes 45 Seconds Ages: 14 -17

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL THE SWIM TEST? - If you participate in a swim test and do not pass it before the start of your Junior Lifeguard Session, your program registration fees will be refunded minus $2.50 processing fee.

10. INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION

The Encinitas Junior Lifeguard program is taught by professional ocean lifeguards. All of the instructors have successfully completed an intensive open water lifeguard training course and most have worked as lifeguards for more than two years. Instructors are also certified in emergency first-aid and CPR for the professional rescuer. Some instructors are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics, as well as in Emergency Vehicle Operations, Personal Watercraft Operations (Jet Ski), Cliff Rescue, River Rescue, and SCUBA Search and Recovery. Many of the instructors have been Junior Lifeguards themselves!

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11. PARTICIPATION

All Junior Lifeguards must be able to swim, enter the ocean readily and participate in water activities on a daily basis. Parents should be aware that activities require a good deal of physical exercise and ocean swims are a daily part of the program. When water temperatures are low, we encourage the use of wetsuits.

12. DAILY REQUIREMENTS

All Junior Lifeguards will check-in in full uniform at the north end of Moonlight Beach (big palm tree) at the scheduled session time. All Junior Lifeguards are expected to participate in all activities, unless they have notes from their parents stating otherwise. Participants should be on time and prepared for their session daily. Junior Lifeguards should bring the following items to the beach everyday:

• Uniform – JG t-shirt and navy blue swimsuit/boardshorts • Warm clothing – JG sweatshirt, shorts, etc. • Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, and rashguard • Food and water

13. COMPETITION

Competition Day is a great opportunity for parents and families to come and cheer on their Junior Lifeguard(s) as they compete against their peers. Please come ready to cheer everyone on and take pictures! These in-house competitions are all held at Moonlight Beach. Please meet at the Junior Lifeguard area and the Instructors will let the parents know where to go.

Competition Day Schedule

AM AND PM SESSIONS BEGIN AT 9AM AND END AT 2PM ON

COMPETITION DAY!

Dates: JUNE 25, JULY 9, JULY 23, AUGUST 6, AND AUGUST 20

Competition Day will be held on the second Thursday of each session at 9AM.

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Parents, please stay out of the cordoned off competition

area and courses before and during the

competitions/races!

ADDITIONAL COMPETITIONS

There are several Multi-Agency Competitions this summer. Please let us know if your Junior Guard(s) is/are interested in participating in any of these competitions.

CSLSA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Every year in California a member agency hosts the Regional Championships. The location alternates throughout California, but each location hosts the Championships for two years in a row. The Regional Championships are open to all California Junior Lifeguards who are members of the USLA. Contact your program Coordinator to learn about membership requirements.

USLA NATIONALS

Each year in August a member agency hosts the national competition somewhere in the USA. The location rotates through the eight regions of the USLA. Junior Lifeguards must be current members of the USLA to compete in Nationals.

CAL STATE GAMES

California State Games (CSG) is a multi-sport festival of Olympic-style competition for California’s amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. State Games is a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee. California is one of 44 states that conduct similar types of statewide competitions. This event is designed to encourage youth to become actively involved in athletics. The State Games is a unique statewide event, bringing many diverse elements of California's population together to celebrate one common bond: amateur sports. The Games attract athletes from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and skill levels, bringing out former and future Olympians as well as athletes for whom the Games are a real career highlight.

Eligibility: Open to any Jr. Lifeguard Program associated with the California Surf Lifesaving Association.

Rules: California State Games Junior Lifeguard Rules

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Date: Thursday, July 9, 2015

Site: Coronado Central Beach 920 Ocean Blvd. Coronado, CA 92118 Turn on Isabella from Ocean Blvd for Drop Off Area

Times: Check-in Time: 7:30am Competition begins: 9:00am Opening Ceremonies at Qualcomm Stadium-Friday July 19

Entry Deadline: July 3, 2015

Sign Up: Email the JG Coordinator at:

EncinitasJG@cityofencinitas.org with your name, child’s name, child’s age and your phone number. We will submit a team entry by the July 1 deadline.

14. UNIFORMS We are proud to announce that ORIGINAL WATERMEN will produce all of our official 2015 uniform items! We require participants to wear a uniform in order to boost team camaraderie and for identification purposes. The uniform allows instructors and other lifeguards to monitor Junior Lifeguards and easily spot them on the beach and in the water. Junior Lifeguards must wear the required uniform in order to participate.

REQUIRED UNIFORM

o Red Original Watermen JG T-shirt FREE

(One Per Participant) $10.00 (Additional T-Shirts)

o Navy Blue Original Watermen Boy’s Boardshort (or equivalent)

“4-Way Stretch Boardshort” $35.00 “Origin Boardshort” $30.00 “Elastic Waist Boardshort” $28.00

or o Navy Blue Original Watermen One-Piece or Two- Piece

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“X-Back” $35.00 “Rescue Bikini” $37.00 Girl’s swimsuits shall be similar to competitive pool swim

wear and may NOT be revealing.

RECOMMENDED

o Yellow Original Watermen JG Rashguard $26.00 Rash Guards allow for easy identification of Junior Guards

and they also help to prevent skin damage and sunburns. Of our optional items, this is the most highly recommended.

o Red Original Watermen JG Sweatshirt $30.00

Sweatshirts provide warmth on days when it is overcast and also help to prevent skin damage and sunburns.

o Navy Blue Original Watermen JG Hat $16.00

Hats help to prevent skin damage and sunburns.

o Navy Blue Original Watermen Girl’s Boardshort “Pro Boardshort” $25.00 Provides additional coverage and sun protection.

WHEN AND WHERE TO PURCHASE UNIFORMS:

All uniform items will be available for purchase at each swim test as well as on the first day of each Junior Guard session or online at www.originalwatermen.com

1. Go to www.originalwatermen.com 2. Click Log In under Shop Lifeguard Lounge in upper right 3. Click Create New Account 4. Input personal information and personal password 5. Where it says LIFEGUARD ORGANIZATION INFO, input ejl2015 6. Click Submit

Registered participants will receive their free t-shirts on the first day of Junior Guards.

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15. DAILY INSTRUCTION

Each day we teach lessons on various topics relating to the Junior Lifeguard program. Be sure to ask your Junior Lifeguard what they have learned each day! Please be aware that water activities may be limited due to the following: anytime safety becomes an issue, unfavorable water conditions, large surf, or a major drop in water temperature.

16. JUNIOR LIFEGUARD AIDE

If you are interested in becoming a Junior Lifeguard Aide for the summer of 2015 you must be between the ages of 14-17 and have prior experience in the Junior Lifeguard program (at least one year). To apply for a position you will need to send a letter of intent (via email: EncinitasJG@cityofencinitas.org) to the Junior Lifeguard Coordinator. The letter must include:

Name and contact information (including an e-mail address).

Why you are interested in volunteering as an assistant.

Background and Experience.

Minimum of one reference (Name, Phone # or Email, and Relation).

Which sessions you would like to attend.

Register on the JG website (EncinitasJG.com/sessions.php) for the session(s) prior to the session start date.

On the first day of your session at 8am, you must meet with the assigned Junior Lifeguard Instructor. You will be required to pass a series of small tests to ensure that you are more than comfortable in the ocean. The test will consist of a Run-Swim-Run and a Paddle Test. Requirements of each are listed below. Run-Swim-Run – quarter-mile run, 500 yard swim, quarter-mile run.

If you have any further questions please contact the JG Coordinator at EncinitasJG@cityofencinitas.org.

Aide Uniforms

All swim suits must be navy blue. NO suits may be revealing and must be athletic in nature, and meet the required specifications. Aides will receive a free royal blue t-shirt and will be issued a rashguard that must be returned at the end of their session.

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Community Service

Junior Lifeguard Aides who would like to receive community service during the hours that they are actively assisting instructors must complete the following steps:

First, he/she must obtain necessary paperwork from their school

Second, they must contact their instructor and notify them of their desire to earn community service hours.

Third, the aide must record their hours worked on a daily basis.

The aide will present their hours to their instructor and the instructor will sign off on their hours daily. At the end of the program, we will sign off on the total number of hours that have been recorded throughout the program.

17. SCHOLARSHIPS

Limited scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All scholarship applications and requests go through the Parks and Recreation Department office, located at 505 S. Vulcan Avenue. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for information at (760) 633-2740.

18. DONATIONS

The City of Encinitas Marine Safety Department believes the Junior Lifeguard Program is a tremendous community asset. As our program continues to grow, support is greatly appreciated. Donations are used only to support the program and its participants (scholarships). If you or your business is interested in making a donation to Encinitas Junior Lifeguards please contact us at:

Phone: (760) 633-2740 Email: EncinitasJG@cityofencinitas.org.