More than 150 Junior Lifeguards will hit the beach in South Walton for a summer of surf rescue education as part of the 2023 South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Program.
The program has grown from 60 participants in 2008, to now reaching hundreds of local children between the ages of 9-16 years old, who spend three weeks of summer learning what it takes to work as an open water lifeguard. (Just another way to get outdoors in our lovely beach communities.)
“Here at SWFD, one of our core values is community involvement,” said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “The Junior Lifeguards are a testament to our community’s development of a beach safety-forward culture. This is another year with massive registration numbers of both returning and new coming juniors. We know they are excited to get out there, and we are too.”
Throughout June and July, SWFD Beach Safety staff will educate and train the Junior Lifeguards in skills such as: swimming technique, CPR and first aid, open water confidence, conducting water rescues, handling surf rescue equipment, drowning prevention, and rip current identification.
The program also aims to reach participants at a time when they may be considering future career paths or a “summer job,” hopefully instilling in them a love for the open water and desire to make a positive impact in their community.
“My experience as a Junior Lifeguard on the Emerald Coast is a major reason why I considered a job in surf rescue after college,” said SWFD Beach Safety Lieutenant and Program Instructor Brandon Brown. “The Junior Lifeguard Program is our chance to shape the future of beach safety and give kids a fun way to spend their summer.”
SWFD will release further information and photos once the program is underway. To learn more, please visit: www.swfd.org/beach-safety/junior-lifeguard-program.
