Lifeguards
What are the requirements to become a lifeguard?
Be at least 15 years of age by the last day of the course attended
Attend all training sessions
Pass a written test with a score of at least 80%
Successfully complete a pre-course screening session which includes the following
 Swim 500 yards continuously, using these strokes: 200 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing
and a stabilizing propellant kick
 100 yards breaststroke
 200 yards of either front crawl using rhythmic breathing, or breaststroke or a combination of both
 Swim 20 yards (front crawl or breast stroke), surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound
object, and return with it to the surface, and swim back 20 yards holding it with both hands with your
face out of the water and swim back 20 yards
 Perform all required skills with 100% accuracy
What certifications do I get from basic Red Cross Lifeguard Training?
Become an aquatic professional, learn professional lifesaving techniques, and gain leadership skills.
This course will cover the skills needed to certify you to be a lifeguard. The class will certify for:
 Lifeguarding Certification (good for 3 years)
 CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification (good for 1 year)
 First Aid Certification (good for 3 years)
Lifeguard training (ages 15‐adult)
This 35‐hour class is designed to teach the skills necessary to become a certified lifeguard for swimming pools.
Students will receive instruction in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First‐Aid Basics, and Water Rescue
techniques. Participants must be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water, and retrieve a 10‐lb. object
from 7‐8 feet depth. This is a fun and fast‐paced class. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. American
Red Cross certification is given at successful completion of the course. Books and pocket mask are included
in the course fee.
Lifeguard recertification (ages 15‐adult)
Recommended for those previously trained in Red Cross Lifeguard Training/First Aid and CPR for the
Professional Rescuer who wish to become recertified in any or all three Red Cross certifications. Participants
must be prepared and confident in their ability to efficiently perform skills and pass written tests upon arrival.
LIFE GUARD TR AINING WITH TITLE 22 FIRST AID
This course will certify students in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. In
addition to the CPR and first aid skills, this class will cover water rescues, professionalism, prevention, and
many other topics to prepare the participants for a job as a lifeguard. Course materials are included in
registration fee and MUST be picked up at the Parks and Recreation office prior to first class meeting. Must be
at least 15 years old and pass the pre-course swimming test to participate. Also covered will be the additional
first aid skills required by the State of California to meet the Title 22 requirements, by teaching the First Aid for
Public Safety Personnel class at the conclusion of each Lifeguard Training (LGT) class. After successful
completion of the two classes, participants will have all the required certifications to apply for a job as a
lifeguard.
Lifeg
guard Role and Respo
onsibility
To fu
urther the mission of the
e 4-H camp by
b providing supervision
n and ensurin
nvironment a
at the
ng a safe en
camp’s waterfront activities. Assist in the
e manageme
ent of the ph
hysical opera
ation of the
wate
erfront facilitiies and equipment. Under supervisio
on, Lifeguarrds control a
application off
employ lifessaving
safetty and accid
dent preventiion programs for a swim
mming area, e
techniques, adm
minister first aid
a as neces
ssary; and perform otherr related dutties as
requ
uired. Lifegua
ards work with the Camp
p Director an
nd/or 4-H sta
aff and other camp stafff.
ESSENTIAL TASKS
1
1. Supervise and guard
d all waterfro
ont activities.. Provide su rveillance du
uring aquaticc
activities to help prev
vent and to manage
m
injuries; these sshall be provvided at a ra
atio of one liffeguard for
each 25 campers in the
t water.
 Provide rescues as needed.
 Utilize first aid an
nd CPR and other emerg
gency mana
agement servvices as nee
eded.
 Unde
erstand and implement appropriate
a
response
r
to changes in water conditions or wea
ather
conditions affecting the waterfront.
 Evalu
uate aquatics abilities off campers an
nd staff and as appropria
ate, restrict sswimmers w
with limited
abilitiies to shallow
w swimming
g areas or to the use of p
personal flottation device
es when nea
ar or in the
waterr.
2
2. Assist wa
aterfront insttructional sta
aff in program areas succh as swimm
ming and boa
ating
 Ensure campers and staff folllow safety procedures
p
w
while in theirr program acctivity.
 Act as
a reference in waterfron
nt activities.
 Assisst in the delivvery and sup
pervision of all
a water acttivities and sspecial events at the watterfront.
3
3. Assist in the manage
ement and care of the ph
hysical facilitties and equ
uipment in th
he waterfront program
area.
 Cond
duct daily check of area and equipment for safetty, cleanlinesss, and good
d repair.
 Clean
n waterfront area daily keeping
k
it fre
ee of hazardss and debriss.
 Checck out a first aid kit from the Nurse's cabin beforee all events and to returrn it after resstocking or
replacing used materials
m
at th
he end of the day.
ALIFICATION STANDARDS WHICH
H AN INDIVIDUAL MUS
ST MEET IN
N ORDER TO
O PERFORM
M THE JOB
QUA
EFFECTIVELY AND
A
SAFEL
LY
Som
me physical requirements
r
s of a lifegua
ard position could
c
be end
durance, inccluding prolo
onged standing,
bend
ding, stoopin
ng, and strettching. Requ
uires eye-ha
and coordina
ation and ma
anual dexterrity to manipulate
wate
erfront equip
pment and waterfront acttivities. Req
quires norma
al range of hearing and e
eyesight to rrecord,
prep
pare, and com
mmunicate appropriate
a
camper activ
vities/progra
ams and the ability to liftt up to 50 lbss.
Willin
ngness to liv
ve in a camp
p setting and
d work irregu
ular hours to
o enable the delivery of p
program at the facility
availlable. Opera
ate with daily
y exposure to
t the sun and heat and varying watter condition
ns.
The camp aquattics supervis
sor shall be at
a least 18 years of age and possesss an Americcan Red Cro
oss Lifeguard
d
Certificate, YMC
CA Swim Life
esaving Certtificate, Ame
erican Lifegu
uard Associa
ation Certifica
ate, or an eq
quivalent
certifficate.
 Current certification
c
in
i first aid an
nd CPR and Open-Wate
er Rescue an
nd Lifeguard
ding.
 Prior exp
perience at a waterfront similar to the
e camp.
 Training and experie
ence in waterrfront activitiies that are o
offered at th
he camp.
 Desire an
nd ability to work with ch
hildren outdo
oors in the w
water.
 Knowledge and priorr use of a ka
ayak as used
d for water re
escues.
4-H YDP Policy
Requires at least one certified lifeguard be present at any activity that involves swimming. In addition, it is
recommended that a ratio of one supervising adult for every five 4-H members be used throughout the
swimming activity.
If a certified lifeguard is not provided at the swimming activity location, then it is the event organizer’s
responsibility to arrange the services of a certified lifeguard for the duration of the swimming activity. The
certified lifeguard may be an adult volunteer or teen 4-H member that has completed the requirements of a
training program sanctioned by the American Red Cross or American Lifeguard Association.
Your attentiveness and care may be the difference between happiness and disaster at the lake.
Waterfront Rules: No one is to be on the beach or in the water unless a lifeguard is present. Report any
injury immediately to the lifeguard on duty.
1. Swimming is allowed only within the predetermined swimming area.
2. No throwing of sand at any time.
3. Kayaks are for adults and JC's unless otherwise stated by a lifeguard.
4. A maximum of 3 campers per canoe.
5. All canoes and kayaks must remain in designated area at all times and returned to the "waterfront
camp" at scheduled time.
6. Campers are only allowed to return back to Camp if 2 Adult Leaders or 2 JC's accompany them (avoid
small groups).
7. Leave beach clean and litter free. Be considerate.
4-H Water Safety Guidelines
I.
INTRODUCTION
The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program (YDP) organizes and coordinates a variety of
programs, projects, and events that involve about 20,000 adult volunteers and more than 100,000 youth aged
five through 19 years of age. Many of these programs, projects, and events incorporate activities that take
place on, in, or near water. Information given in these guidelines has been developed for use by 4-H staff and
volunteers and is intended to provide initial guidance for implementing practices and procedures to reduce the
risk of sustaining water-related injuries or illnesses while participating in 4-H sponsored programs, projects,
and events.
The Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Office exists to support all
ANR programs, including 4-H YDP, in conducting their activities in a safe, healthy, and environmentally
responsible manner. ANR EH&S staff are available to assist 4-H YDP staff and volunteers to interpret the
material in these guidelines and to develop specific health and safety information, assess potential hazards,
and conduct training. Contact information (i.e address, telephone numbers, email) for ANR EH&S staff is
available on the EH&S website at: http://safety.ucanr.org/.
II.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA POLICY ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The University of California (UC) Policy on Management of Health, Safety and the Environment, dated October
28, 2005, indicates UC is committed to achieving excellence in providing healthy and safe work environments
that ensure the protection of students, faculty, staff, visitors, the public, property, and the environment.
Furthermore, the policy states that “Protecting faculty, staff, students, visitors, the public and the environment
is a priority whenever activities are planned and performed.” The policy also establishes a strategy whereby
damage is preempted by designing activities and controls to reduce or eliminate accidents, injuries, and
exposures. Accordingly, these guidelines have been developed to complement and be in accordance with the
goals of the UC Policy on Management of Health, Safety and the Environment.
III. SCOPE
These Administrative Guidelines provide descriptions of the types of natural hazards and conditions that are
likely to be encountered and precautions to take when 4-H YDP water-related activities take place, including
the use of water craft, swimming and recreational diving, water sports, and being nearby or encountering
streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, livestock watering troughs, and
backyard pools, hot tubs, fountains, and fish or ornamental ponds. In addition, this document provides
information and references that can be used by 4-H YDP staff and volunteers to train members on awareness
of hazards and actions that may reduce the risk of injury or illness due to activities occurring on, in, or near
water.
IV.
ADDRESSING WATER SAFETY AS PART OF 4-H MEMBER TRAINING
The planning process for 4-H activities occurring on, in, or near water should incorporate evaluations of
potential risks for members to sustain injuries or illnesses. Once potential risks have been identified,
appropriate safety training or controls to mitigate potential risks should be developed and implemented for 4-H
members. Staff and volunteers may develop 4-H member safety training by deriving brief outlines or lesson
plans that describe the types of topics to be covered and information to be presented.
Safety training may be incorporated into other educational instruction associated with a 4-H activity and may
be accomplished through verbal instruction, instructor demonstrations, review of written or electronic materials,
and/or viewing commercially prepared video recordings. In certain instances, a member may not be allowed to
participate in an activity or utilize equipment or tools until they have demonstrated their understanding of
associated hazards and procedures or achieved a necessary level of proficiency.
Staff and volunteers should document water-safety training of 4-H members by completing a Safety
Meeting/Training form or equivalent record of training. Copies of the Safety Meeting/Training form are available
at the volunteer’s Cooperative Extension (CE) Office or online at the 4-H website: http://www.ca4h.org/ and
EH&S website: http://safety.ucanr.org/4h.
A variety of topics for water-safety training and specific guidance for potential hazards associated with 4-H
YDP activities occurring on, in or around water are given in Sections V. through VIII. that follow in this
document.
California Regulations:
Swimming and Bathing
Swimming Facilities (CCR Title 17, Section 30704)
All swimming pools, pools, wading pools and special purposes pools which are located in or provided for any
camp shall be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with the provisions of Article 5,
Chapter 5, Part 10, Division 104, of the Health and safety code, Sections 116035-116068, and with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 20, Division 4, Title 22, and chapter 31, Part 2, Title 24, Sections 3101B3137B.2. and Figures 31B-1-31B-5 of the CCR.
Lake, Stream, River or Ocean Swimming (CCR Title, Section 30741)
(a) Any camp which uses places such as lakes, streams, rivers or the ocean for swimming shall be
equipped with at least one lifeboat or equivalent water safety device that is suited to the size, location
and use of the water facility, population of the camp and that shall:
(1) Be used for no other purpose than for saving lives or for other emergencies,
(2) Be kept in good repair and readily accessible to the areas of potential use, and
(3) Comply with Harbors and Navigation Code Section 652.
(b) No camp shall maintain or use a lake, stream or river unless careful soundings of depth of water and
location of eddies and pools and determinations of the presence and nature of dangerous currents,
sunken logs, rocks and obstructions in the lake, stream or river have been made and:
(1) Legible signs indicating in plain letters, the depth of water, the location of pools and eddies, and the
presence and direction of currents of water shall be posted at any lake, stream or river used by a
camp for camper swimming, and
(2) The signs shall be visible from the swimming or bathing area during the season when bathing and
swimming are permitted.
(c) Lifeguard services equivalent to those defined in Section 116028, Health and Safety Code, shall be
provided at any location used for swimming by campers.
(1) There shall be a designated aquatics supervisor who is at least 18 years of age and who shall
possess an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate, YMCA Swim Lifesaving Certificate or its
equivalent certificate.
(2) Lifeguard service shall be provided at a ratio of 1 lifeguard for each 25 campers in the water.
Please read the following:
Canoes
 Prior to use, inspect the canoe for cracks, holes, broken seats, leaks, and other types of damage or
disrepair. If the canoe fails your inspection, inform your group leader, parent, or guardian and remove it
from use.
 California regulations require all canoes to have one Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) or life preserver for each person aboard. Therefore, always put on a properly fitted and approved
PFD or life preserver before boarding a canoe.
 It is recommended that anyone boarding a canoe be capable of swimming.
 Inexperienced canoeists should not take a canoe out until they have undergone canoe training from an
appropriately experienced instructor.
 A good safety practice is to complete a Float Plan and give it to someone stationed onshore so they will
know where you are going to canoe, who is going on the canoe trip, and when you are expected to
return or complete the canoe route.
 When possible, be aware of the canoe route and anticipated water conditions, including stretches of
white water, strong or swift currents, flooded or low water, or obstructed water where tree limbs, rocks,
bridges, reefs, pilings, piers, docks, jetties, or other objects are potential collision hazards.
 Know the carrying capacity and stability limitations of the canoe you intend to use. Always carry a spare
paddle.
 Wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the canoeing weather conditions: jackets or
windbreakers during cool weather and light clothing, sunscreen, sun glasses, and a hat during warm
weather.
 Bring and consume an adequate amount of drinking water for the weather conditions.
 Be aware that many water bodies in California receive and carry runoff from snow packs at high
elevation. As a result, there is a hypothermia hazard if you go overboard into these cold waters.
 Learn how to balance the canoe and prevent it from capsizing. Sit on the canoe seats or canoe bottom
in the center of the craft.
 When moving into, within, or out of a canoe, avoid sudden or jerky motions, bend your knees and
crouch low, hold both sides of the canoe for balance, and walk along the craft’s centerline. Do not stand
up and walk in a canoe.
 Distribute people and gear evenly throughout the canoe such that the canoe is trimmed correctly and
the bow and stern draw equal amounts of water.
 Always avoid or portage your canoe around dangerous water conditions (e.g. rapids) that are beyond
your skill level and obstacles such as low-head dams that create hazardous boils or backrollers at the
base of the dam.
 When possible, paddle the canoe bow directly into waves.
 Wear protective head gear when canoeing rapids or stretches of water with frequent boulders or rock
outcrops.
 Maintain a safe distance from water intake or outlet structures and spillways.
 Do not panic if your canoe capsizes. Stay with the canoe and move the canoe to a shoreline. Once you
are in shallow water, you can turn the canoe over to dump out the water and climb back in.
 Avoid canoeing on open expanses of water during thunderstorms and when winds are creating choppy
waves. If weather conditions deteriorate, head for the shoreline.

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Always follow all laws and regulations for waterways and water bodies.
If you are injured while canoeing, notify your project leader, parent, or guardian. Seek medical attention
if the injury is serious.
If you notice that a member of your canoeing group is missing, immediately notify your project leader,
parent, or guardian.
Please read the following:
Kayaks
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Inspect the kayak for damage or disrepair prior to use, including the water tightness of the hull and
compartments. If the kayak fails your inspection, inform your group leader, parent, or guardian and
remove it from use.
California regulations require all kayaks to have one Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) or life preserver for each person aboard. Therefore, always put on a properly fitted and approved
PFD or life preserver before boarding a kayak.
It is recommended that anyone boarding a kayak be capable of swimming and performing an “Eskimo
Roll.”
Inexperienced kayakers should not take a kayak out until they have undergone kayak training from an
appropriately experienced instructor.
A good safety practice is to complete a Float Plan and give it to someone stationed onshore so they will
know where you are going to kayak, who is going on the kayak trip, and when you are expected to
return or complete the kayak route.
When possible, be aware of the kayak route and anticipated water conditions, including stretches of
white water, strong or swift currents, flooded or low water, or obstructed water where tree limbs, rocks,
bridges, reefs, pilings, piers, docks, jetties, or other objects are potential collision hazards.
Know the carrying capacity and stability limitations of the kayak you intend to use. Always carry a spare
paddle.
Wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the kayaking weather conditions: jackets or
windbreakers during cool weather and light clothing, sunscreen, sun glasses, and a hat during warm
weather.
Bring and consume an adequate amount of drinking water for the weather conditions.
Be aware that many water bodies in California receive and carry runoff from snow packs at high
elevation. As a result, there is a hypothermia hazard if you go overboard into these cold waters.
Learn how to balance the kayak and prevent it from capsizing.
Kayaks may capsize, so practice how to get back into your kayak without assistance.
Distribute gear evenly throughout the kayak such that the kayak is trimmed correctly and the bow and
stern draw equal amounts of water.
Always avoid or portage your kayak around dangerous water conditions (e.g. rapids) that are beyond
your skill level and obstacles such as low-head dams that create hazardous boils or backrollers at the
base of the dam.
When possible, paddle the kayak bow directly into waves.
Wear protective head gear when kayaking rapids or stretches of water with frequent boulders or rock
outcrops.
Maintain a safe distance from water intake or outlet structures and spillways.
Pay particular attention to the course(s) being taken by other water craft. Kayaks ride low in the water
and are difficult to spot so you must take action to keep out of the way of other water craft.
Avoid kayaking on open expanses of water during thunderstorms and when there are strong winds. If
weather conditions deteriorate, head for the shoreline.
Always follow all laws and regulations for waterways and water bodies.
If you are injured while kayaking, notify your project leader, parent, or guardian. Seek medical attention
if the injury is serious.
If you notice that a member of your kayaking group is missing, immediately notify your project leader,
parent, or guardian.