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Register now for junior lifeguard program
Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced that the park is recruiting young men and women, ages 11-15, to be a part of the Johnson Beach Junior Lifeguard Program.
The program is similar to the “Junior Ranger Program”, but with an emphasis on physical fitness, water safety and rescue, and marine resources conservation. The participants will receive CPR and water safety and rescue training while they are enrolled in the program but will not be allowed to perform an actual rescue.
Due to damage from Hurricane Ivan, the park will only host one Junior Lifeguard Class in the Florida District this year. The class is planned for July 11-15 and will consist of twelve Junior Guards. The first day, Monday, July 11, will be at the Naval Live Oaks Area of the Seashore for CPR and First Aid training. The beach classes, which will be held on Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area, will start July 12 and run through July 15. The Park’s Lead Lifeguard, John Hunter, will be coordinating the program, which is in its seventh year.
“We are very excited about the possibilities of developing a successful program that will encourage the enrollees to pursue careers in water safety and rescue. Of course, we also hope that it will increase the number of trained and qualified applicants for paid summer seasonal lifeguard positions at the Seashore,” said Eubanks.
Space is limited to the first 12 Junior Guards who apply and registration will be June 6 and 7 from 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Those wishing to register should call 850-934-2618 to leave a voice mail message with the required information.
Calls will be answered in the order received; calls before 8:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m.
will not be taken. A waiting list will be established once all 12 slots are filled.
For information prior to registration, contact Lead Lifeguard John Hunter at 850232-5883.
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