The 2023 Summer Junior Lifeguard Program is set to begin soon, and the Hampton community is invited to participate. However, to be eligible to join the program, new trainees and returning junior lifeguards must pass a pool swim test to be eligible to join the program.
The program is open to children between 9 and 15 as of July 1, 2023. The program will occur at the YMCA E.H. RECenter Pool, and trainees will attend only one session each Saturday. The training sessions will be held on Sundays from March 5th through June 18th, with two sessions available: 1:00 to 1:45 and 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.
Interested participants can visit hamptonny.gov and sign up online to register for the program. It is also essential to bring your own cap and goggles.
The swim test has three parts. Firstly, all new trainees must swim 50 yards of freestyle stroke, not timed, but with proper form. They will also be asked to tread water for at least 5 minutes in the pool’s deep end and swim 10-15 yards underwater.
Next, trainees will undergo stroke evaluation, where their freestyle stroke, side stroke, and breaststroke will be assessed and graded on a scale of poor, fair, good, and excellent. If a trainee’s strokes receive a rating of 2 or higher, they will be asked to practice the stroke for at least four laps to improve their swim conditioning.
Trainees whose strokes are poor may require additional instruction, which is available at the YMCA.
Finally, the swim test has a timed and combination-paced swim section, which will vary depending on the trainee’s age. Children between the ages of 9-12 must complete a timed swim of 2 minutes and 15 seconds or less, swimming four laps of freestyle with good form. They must also complete an eight-lap combination swim, using freestyle, side stroke, and breaststroke, with good form maintained throughout.
Children between the ages of 13-15 must complete a timed swim of 3 minutes and 10 seconds or less, swimming six laps of freestyle with good form. They must also complete a 12-lap combination swim, using freestyle, side stroke, and breaststroke, with good form maintained throughout.
The Summer Junior Lifeguard Program provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn valuable lifesaving skills and techniques. By passing the swim test, they can participate in the program and become certified junior lifeguards, ensuring the safety of swimmers at Hampton beaches this summer.
The program director, John J. Ryan Jr., also the Chief Lifeguard, will be there with his father, Program Coordinator John J. Ryan Sr. They can be reached at 631-324-2787 or by emailing [email protected]. Learn more by visiting: https://secure.rec1.com/NY/east-hampton-town-ny/catalog
