Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Parent Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2012 Program Dates & Locations
2
Wetsuits & Booties
6
Phone Numbers & Email Addresses
2
Uniforms
6
Mailing Address
2
Instructor Uniforms
6
Information via Internet Access
2
Junior Lifeguard Volunteers
6
Mission Statement
2
Discipline
7
Program Hours
2
Junior Lifeguard Daily Requirements
8
Supervision and Transportation
3
Junior Lifeguard Daily Itinerary
8
Instructors
3
Daily Calendar & Field Trip Instructions 9
Registration and Skills Assessment
3
Special Accommodations
9
Tryout Waiver
4
Beach Wheelchair
9
2010 Program Fees
4
Nondiscriminatory Policy
9
Refund Policy
4
Comments / Suggestions
9
Tuition Scholarships
5
Junior Lifeguard Daily To-Do-List
10
Donations
5
Program Sponsors
11
Attendance
5
Participation In Activities
5
Age Groups
5
1
2012 PROGRAM DATES & LOCATIONS
Spring Break Beach Camp: April 9 – April 13 / 9-12
Pre-Season Pool Program: June 18 – June 22 / 8:30-11:30 at Hardie Pool and Park in Cayucos.
First Beach Session: June 25 - July 13 (No Class on July 4th) / at Morro Rock Beach.
Second Beach Session: July 23 – August 10 / at Morro Rock Beach.
Morro Rock Beach Camp: #1 June 18-22 - #2 July 16-20 – #3 August 13-17
PHONE NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES
Karen Sweeny, Recreation Supervisor at ksweeny@morro-bay.ca.us / (805) 772-6281
Herb White, Program Coordinator at hwhite@morro-bay.ca.us / (805) 550-3715
All Emergencies: 911
MAILING ADDRESS
Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program
Morro Bay Recreation & Parks Office
1001 Kennedy Way
Morro Bay Ca 93442
INFORMATION VIA INTERNET ACCESS
Additional program information can be found on the web at www.leaguelineup.com/mbsports. After
loading the page, check the left hand column for the “HANDOUTS” Link. Scan down the list for our Junior
Lifeguard Handouts.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program is to provide quality water safety education. The
Junior Lifeguard Program introduces young people to safe marine and aquatic recreational opportunities.
Further, the program is designed to improve young people’s physical conditioning, their understanding
and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers. The
Mission is accomplished with activities including instruction and practice in open water swimming, paddle
boarding, body surfing, surfboard riding, and self rescue. Respect for the environment is increased by the
understanding gained with daily physical contact with the environment and through lecture and
discussion of pertinent marine and aquatic topics. Increased respect for themselves is gained through
their personal progress and accomplishments. Respect for others is increased by contact with
compassionate instructors and by working with other youth in a team-building environment.
PROGRAM HOURS
Regular Program: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Exceptions to normal program hours
will be announced for field trips and other special events. A field trip schedule and information will be
handed out on the first day of each session.
2
PARTICIPANT SUPERVISION AND TRANSPORTATION
The Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program is not responsible for students outside of scheduled program
hours and activities. Parents are responsible for their children immediately prior to and immediately
following scheduled program hours. Parents are expected to be prompt at dropping-off and picking-up
their Junior Lifeguards. Please remind children to be ready for pick-up with all their gear promptly at 2
p.m. It is the sole responsibility of each parent or guardian to ensure safe travel for his or her child(ren) to
and from the Junior Lifeguard Program.
INSTRUCTORS
The Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program is taught by USLA Academy Trained Instructors and Aides. The
staff is trained in surf and ocean rescue, beach safety, first aid, and CPR. The instructors also have
teaching and interpretation experience with children. Several guest lecturers will also share their
knowledge and experiences with the Junior Lifeguards. Safety and education while having fun are our
primary objectives. There will be a minimum of four paid Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard instructors and four
paid Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Aides.
REGISTRATION AND SKILLS ASSESSMENT
The Junior Lifeguard Beach Program is not a “learn to swim” school. Therefore, prospective students are
screened at a tryout test to see if they have the minimum skills needed to benefit from the Morro Bay
Junior Lifeguard Beach Program. The instructors will approve a child's skill level based upon successful
completion of the test as well as the child's swimming competence and confidence.
Registration: In Person: Monday, April 2, 2012 @ Morro Bay Community Center.
Online:
Monday April 2, 2012 at http://activenet13.active.com/morrobay
Skills Assessment: All participants must complete a Skills Assessment.
New junior lifeguards must pass the 100 yard swim, underwater swim and tread water for 5 minutes.
Returning JGs need to pass the 100 yd swim or submit a swim waiver and register.
In 2012 there are two opportunities to complete the skills assessment.
Saturday May 5, 2012 at Hardie Pool 8-10 am Corner of B and Birch, Cayucos
Saturday May 12, 2012 at Kennedy Club Fitness, 8-10 am. 188 Tank Farm Road, San Luis
Obispo.
Students should have a bathing suit and a towel and be ready to get wet.
The tryout test consists of:
1) Swim 100 yards continuously in 3 minutes or less.
2) Swim 10 yards underwater
3) Tread water for 5 minutes
Note: All new students must successfully complete the registration and skills assessment process to be
eligible for the beach program. Returning junior lifeguards only need to complete the 100 yard swim.
3
TRYOUT WAIVER
If your returning junior lifeguard is unable to attend the physical portion of the tryout, you may complete a
Skills Assessment / Tryout Waiver. The form can be found on the web at
www.leaguelineup.com/mbsports. After loading the page, check the left hand column for the
“HANDOUTS” Link. Scan down the list for the Junior Lifeguard Tryout Waiver. Please remember,
registration in the Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program is “first come - first served.” and YOU MUST
STILL REGISTER starting April 2 and will be taken on a space available basis at the Morro Bay
Recreation and Parks Office and online at http:activenet.active.com/morrobay.
Please note: Local pool lifeguards & coaches are not obligated to complete this
form. Always check with the pool supervisor for approval before approaching
an on-duty lifeguard for assistance.
Registration in the Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program is “first come - first served.” Due to the popularity
of the program, enrollment is expected to fill to capacity quickly. Students are considered enrolled in the
program when the Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Office receive the completed application/release of
liability form, skills assessment and full payment of the tuition fees. Note: It is necessary to submit the
program fees with the application/waiver form in order to ensure your child’s place in the Program.
Enrollment is limited to 80 students per session.
2012 PROGRAM FEES
$82 per student for the Pre-Season Pool Program
$215 per student / per beach program session
$200 for each additional student in family / per beach program session
Non-Residents add $4
Program fees may be paid by check or credit card on registration day.
No reduced rates are possible if your child cannot attend a full session. You may attend Session I,
Session II, or both sessions. You may not split sessions. We ask that you sign up for only one session on
registration day to allow the maximum number of children to participate. If your child would like to
participate in both sessions, you may place your child’s name on the waiting list for their second choice. If
there is space available, we will give you a call. We also ask that each parent/guardian only sign up his or
her own child(ren). You must have prior approval from Karen Sweeny, Recreation Supervisor to have
someone else sign up your child.
The Beach Program tuition fees include a Junior Lifeguard Uniform T-shirt, group picture and Certificate
of Completion (to be given at the end of the program). Uniform shorts are required and available for $25.
Optional Sweatshirts are available at an additional cost of $25
REFUND POLICY
A 20% administrative fee will be assessed for each refund requested. The customer must make refund
requests in writing to the Recreation and Parks Department. Only a written request for the current
program period will be considered. Please allow two to three weeks for a refund processing. If a class is
cancelled by the Department, an automatic refund will be processed and mailed to the customer.
4
TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
Partial Tuition Scholarships are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Funds for the scholarships are
provided by the Morro Bay Community Foundation and the San Luis Bay Chapter of the Surfrider
Foundation. The Morro Bay Community Foundation, Inc. makes funds available for children ages 9-17
residing in the Estero Bay Area (Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos) who wish to participate in community
recreational programs but are unable to pay the full amount of the activity. The San Luis Bay Chapter of
the Surfrider Foundation provides financial support for tuition scholarships through charity events
including the Annual Ken Harmont Pier to Pier Paddle Race and the Jesse King Memorial Paddle.
The amount of a scholarship is dependent on household income and size. Applications for Youth
Recreational Scholarships can be found at http://www.morro-bay.ca.us/engscholar.pdf. Applications can
also be picked up at the Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Office at 1001 Kennedy Way in Morro Bay.
Funds are limited so early application is encouraged.
DONATIONS
Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Department is happy to be able to provide you with the finest of Junior
Lifeguard Programs. However, as our Junior Lifeguard Program grows, support is needed for field trips,
equipment, and supplies. There are also many deserving youths in our community who need tuition
assistance. Please contact us if you or your business is interested in making a donation to the Junior
Lifeguard Program.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken daily. Regular attendance is encouraged and will allow students to fully benefit from
the program. Please notify us if your child will be absent for more than two days in a row.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL REGULAR PROGRAM ACTIVITIES.
Parents should be aware that rigorous physical exercise and ocean swims are a daily part of the
program. Refusal to participate may result in removal from the program. If a student is unable to
participate in certain activities, the student should give a note (from a parent or guardian) to one of the
instructors first thing in the morning. Exercise and activities will vary for the children depending on their
age, size, strength, ability, confidence level, and ocean conditions. The younger, smaller students will not
have the same opportunities as the older students to utilize the paddleboards and other equipment,
which require body weight and strength. If you have questions, please see one of the instructors.
AGE GROUPS
The age requirement for Junior Lifeguards is 9 to 17 years of age on the first day of instruction. Much of
the training will be in one large group; however, the kids will often be divided into four smaller groups.
The groups are primarily based on age; but size, strength, ability, and confidence are also considered.
Generally, the oldest and most experienced Junior Lifeguards are in the Orcas” group, 13-15 year olds
are in the “Dolphins” group, 12-13 year olds are in the “Seals” group and 10-11 year olds are in the
“Otters” group. There final group selection will be based on a combination of ability and aptitude and
groups may be further broken down to smaller groups for certain activities and more personalized
instruction.
5
WETSUITS & BOOTIES
The ocean is cold in Morro Bay and full wetsuits and booties are highly recommended for the Junior
Lifeguard Program. A good wetsuit and booties are essential so your child will enjoy ocean activities, and
not be cold and uncomfortable. Several surf shops in Morro Bay and the surrounding areas have good
prices on new and used equipment and may offer children enrolled in the Junior Lifeguard Program a
discount. Some surf shops may also resell your used wetsuits on consignment. We recommend a
properly fitted, 4mm/3mm full suit which can cost in the range of $100-$300 retail. Booties (with zippers
work best) can range in price from $20-$45 retail. Rashguards and a hood are extremely helpful for extra
warmth.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms are required and a t-shirt is included with registration fees and will be distributed at the Skills
Assessment or at the end of the second day of each session. New uniform shorts are available for $25.
Returning participants do not need to purchase new shorts each year.
We require students to wear a uniform for team camaraderie and for safety. The uniforms allow the
instructors to safely monitor the children and distinguish them from non-Junior Lifeguard participants.
Junior Lifeguards must wear the required uniform in order to participate.
Boys: Black swim trunks and Red Junior Lifeguard t-shirt.
Girls: Black one piece swimsuit, Black swim trunks and Red Junior Lifeguard t-shirt.
Red hooded Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard sweatshirts are also available for purchase on registration day.
Discounts on other items may be available from select vendors and this information will be distributed on
the registration day and as discounts become available.
Note: Please write your child’s name on his or her uniform and all other personal gear.
INSTRUCTOR UNIFORMS
Lifeguard Instructors and Aides are distinguished from volunteers and students by the official Morro Bay
Red Instructor uniform swim trunks, swimsuits and program patch, a black t-shirt and black jacket with
the official Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Logo.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD VOLUNTEERS
We are looking for youths, 15 years of age or older who would like to participate in the Junior Lifeguard
Volunteer Program. A complete explanation of the selection process can be found on our Junior
Lifeguard Volunteer Flyer. The form can be found on the web at www.leaguelineup.com/mbsports. After
loading the page, check the left hand column for the “HANDOUTS” Link. Scan down the list for the Junior
Lifeguard Volunteer Flyer. Junior Lifeguard Volunteers help the instructors with various tasks. The
assistants learn lifeguard-specific job skills and the Junior Lifeguard Volunteer Program have successfully
prepared young people for seasonal lifeguard employment.
6
DISCIPLINE
Student Discipline for Minor Incidents -- For the Junior Lifeguard Program to be successful, students must exhibit
behavior that is respectful of our staff, other students, as well as our equipment and facilities. Group activities are
vital to our program. A student who is disruptive to group activities and disrespectful to instructors diminishes the
enjoyment and education of the other students. The intent of discipline is to gain compliance while instructing the
student in acceptable behavior. Therefore, please familiarize your Junior Lifeguard with the following expected
behaviors:
Respect of instructors and other staff.
Respect of other students; no shoving, hitting or insulting.
Respect of the facilities, equipment and property of others.
Cooperation with others and good sportsmanship.
Following all safety rules and all instructions.
Listening quietly to directions and announcements.
Participation in regular program activities.
The progressive steps of discipline are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
When a minor discipline situation occurs, the student will be counseled about the situation and given an
explanation of what behavior change is expected.
If a subsequent incident occurs, the student will be asked to take a "TIME OUT" or "TAKE A LAP.” A
"TIME OUT" is a period of five to ten minutes that the student spends quietly reflecting on the incident.
A "TAKE A LAP" is a supervised swim or run of reasonable distance. After the "TIME OUT" or "TAKE A
LAP" the student is allowed to rejoin the group activity.
If a student has a series of discipline situations in the same day or over several days, the lead
instructor will inform the student’s parent or guardian about the situation.
When a student continually disregards the instructors or shows little or no improvement with steps 1
through 3, the student will be suspended from the program for one day. The parent or guardian of the
student will be informed that the student has been suspended. There will be no prorated refund of fees.
If, after suspension, the student's behavior is still not acceptable, the parent or guardian of the student
will be informed that the student may no longer attend any of the program's activities.
Student Discipline for Major Incidents -- There will be no refund of fees. Major first-time incidents may progress the
student directly to step 4 or step 5 of the above procedures. Major incidents would include:
Truancy.
Insubordination.
Fighting with another student or other person.
Unlawful or non-consensual touching of another person.
Stealing the property of another.
Vandalism of equipment or facilities.
Other conducts which brings disrespect to the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Any time a major behavior problem occurs, the Recreation Supervisor shall be advised.
7
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD DAILY REQUIREMENTS
All Junior Lifeguards will report to the first Lifeguard Tower on the beach at Morro Rock, Monday - Friday
at 9:00 a.m. SHARP and will leave the beach at 2:00 p.m. SHARP. Parents and guardians are
responsible for their children after 2:00 p.m.. The Instructors leave the beach at 2:00 p.m..
NOTE: Field trip days may have different reporting times and locations. Field Trip Instructions will be
handed out on first day as well as throughout the program.
All Junior Lifeguards are expected to participate in all activities, unless they have notes from their parents
saying otherwise. Refusal to participate may result in the child’s removal from the program. Junior
Lifeguards should be on time, in full uniform, and prepared for a full day on the beach (ie: sand, sun, fog,
cold weather, cold water, exercise, lectures, etc.).
Junior Lifeguards should bring the following items to the beach everyday:
Positive & enthusiastic attitude required
Be in full uniform (Junior Lifeguard t-shirt & black swimsuit)
Warm clothing/towel (Junior Lifeguard sweatshirt & black sweat pants)
Highly recommended:
Wetsuit (full suit and hood)
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc…)
Foot protection (sandals, shoes, booties, etc…)
Large lunch (sack lunch and lots of drinking water)
Back pack (to keep all your stuff together)
Swim fins (surf type fins with heel strap, not scuba type with heel cup)
Personal Hard Surfboards only allowed with leash and safety fins.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD DAILY ITINERARY
9:00 - 9:15 ROLL CALL
9:15 - 11:00 EXERCISE
11:00 - 12:00 LECTURE
12:00 - 12:30 LUNCH
12:30 - 1:30 RECREATION
1:30 - 2:00 CLEAN UP
Roll call, announcements, notes from parents, remove beach
hazards, sunscreen application, etc.
Stretching, warm-ups, calisthenics, sit-ups, jumping-jacks, push
ups, beach runs, buoy swims, etc.
Daily lecture topics reflected on program calendar
Bring your own sack lunch to eat on the beach
Beach games, ocean recreation, etc.
Pick up all trash, pick up all personal belongings, help clean & put
away all Junior Lifeguard equipment, etc.
*Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change on a daily basis due to hazardous conditions,
inclement weather, or due to the day’s activities and other concerns.
8
DAILY CALENDAR & FIELD TRIP INSTRUCTIONS
A daily calendar and field trip schedule will be handed out on the first day of the program. Please read it
carefully as the location of our program changes during field trips and other special days. Please be
aware that the daily schedule is tentative and subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such
as inclement weather, dangerous ocean conditions, hazards and the schedules of our guest lecturers.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Prospective students desiring special accommodations or services under the Americans with Disabilities
Act must notify the program supervisor at least sixty (60) days prior to the start of the program, or as soon
as reasonably possible.
BEACH WHEELCHAIR
In order to better serve all members of the public who wish to participate in recreation and educational
activities an all-terrain “Beach Wheelchair” is available to lend to visitors. Reservations to use the Beach
Wheelchair must be made through Harbor Department and are held on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the Beach Wheelchair, please contact Harbor Department at (805) 772-6254
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
The Morro Bay Junior Lifeguard Program admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to
all the rights and privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at
the program. The state does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in
administration of educational policies, scholarships, athletic and other program-administered programs.
COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS
Your comments, suggestions, input, and ideas on our program are welcome and greatly appreciated.
Please feel free contact the program leaders by email, phone, write, or just stop by.
9
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD DAILY TO-DO-LIST
Use this Daily To-Do-List to help preparing for the program each day.
Being “Rescue-Ready” is one of the most important skills lifeguards use each day to
save lives.
You can practice being “Rescue-Ready” by following and completing this list of To-Do
items each day.
Morning Junior Lifeguard To-Do List:
Pack Lunch (in bird-proof container with name):
Sandwich
Fruit
Water x 2-3
Snacks
Put on sunscreen
Put on swimsuit / uniform (name on clothing)
Load Back Pack: (put name on all of my gear)
Towel
Wetsuit
Rashguard
Booties
Swim fins
Swim Cap for long hair
(both girls and boys)
Large plastic trash bag for wet gear
Sm plastic grocery bag for putting on wetsuit
Sunscreen
Lip sunscreen
Hat
Shoes / Sandals
Sunglasses
Personal Hygiene (comb, tissue, etc)
Extra water
Extra dry clothes
Surfboard/Bodyboard
Leash
Wax
Safety Fins
(Pro-Teck Rubber fins)
Load Car
Final bathroom break before leaving home
Final bathroom break before going onto beach
10
Afternoon Junior Lifeguard To-Do List:
Take JG equipment to storage box
Check area for trash
Put wet stuff in large plastic trash bag
Dump sand out of back-pack and organize gear
Take home any flyers or handouts
Unload car
Wet towels
Sweep / brush out any major sand
Rinse off wet gear & hang outside to drip dry
Wetsuit
Rashguard
Booties
Swim fins
Swim Cap for long hair (both girls and boys)
Plastic bag for wet gear
Surfboard / bodyboard
Put dirty uniform / towels in washing machine
Empty lunch box and get it ready for next day
Clean out back pack and get it ready for next day
Review any flyers or handouts with parents
Check program calendar for next day’s activities
Special Thanks to last year’s
Junior Lifeguard Beach and Pool Program Sponsors :
Al French Memorial Fund
Morro Bay Community Foundation
Surfrider Foundation
TKD Surf Shop
Virgs Sports Fishing
Special Thanks to last year’s
USLA National Beach Safety Week BBQ Sponsors:
Aloha Shirt Shop
Azhiaziam
Bay Beauty Spa
Beach Bucket Taffy
Central Coast SUP
Dockside Restaurant
Dominos Pizza Los Osos
Farmer’s Kite Shop
Fiona Bleu Gallery
Foreverstoked
Galley Seafood Grill
Golden China Restaurant
Gourmet Grub
Kayak Horizons
Lil Hut Restaurant
Lolos Restaurant
Mustang Waterpark
Port San Luis Harbor District
Ravine Waterpark
Sun & Bun Bakery
Sunshine Health Food Store
Surfrider Foundation
The Kayak Shack
TKD Surf Shop
Toobs Bodyboards
Wavelengths SBI Boardshop
11