How to get your child ready for Junior Guards?

Junior Guards is a summer camp that takes place along the southern California coast.  The camp teaches children lifeguarding skills such as ocean and beach safety, lifesaving techniques and procedures, first aid and CPR.  Camp participants will also have the chance to participate in ocean swims, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, beach games, and competition events with other junior lifeguard programs.

There is a tryout test for new camp participants.  Every program has different test guidelines but generally a new camp participant will have to demonstrate competency in the following areas, a timed 100 yard swim, 2-5 minutes of treading water, and an under water swim that could be anywhere from 10 feet to 15 yards.

Most children are capable of passing the treading water and the under water swim sections of the test but the timed 100 yard swim can be a challenge for most.  This is usually because most children between the ages of 9 -15 years old, have never had to swim that far continuously.

One of the most important things that a family can do to get their children ready for the Junior Guards tryout test is to expose them to long distance swimming.  Below are 3 simple steps that can help to better prepare a child for Junior Guards or as it is more commonly referred to as JG.

How to get your child(ren) ready for the 100 yard swim?

Step #1:  Get rid of the goggles. A strong swimmer is one who can swim with or without goggles.  Since goggles break, leak, or become forgotten, it is necessary to get children comfortable with opening their eyes in the water.  This will help your child(ren) to be more prepared for swimming in the ocean.  Note: Chlorine does not usually irritate the eyes.  Check with your physician about chlorine allergies if you are concerned with swimming in a pool.

Step #2:  Have your child(ren) swim front crawl for 100 yards or more 2-3 times per week for 2 weeks.  Swimming front crawl is the fastest stroke for most swimmers.  This will give them the greatest chance to be successful during the test.  Even though the 100 yard swim will be timed don't be concerned with timing your child's prep swims.  This may discourage children from wanting to take the test.  If your child does not know the front crawl then the best thing to do is enroll them in swim lessons.

Step #3:  Teach your child(ren) how to make their streamline glides more efficient.  Most JG tryout tests are conducted in a pool.  This means that the tryout participants will have several chances to push off the pool walls as they test.  If participants can learn to glide in a streamline position during their swim, then they will be able to conserve energy and complete the swim in a faster time.

JG is a fantastic summer program and I hope that this information will be helpful in helping your child(ren) to participate.  Remember, be enthusiastic and encouraging so that a positive association is made with aquatics and lifeguarding skills.  For more information please contact us at http://www.yardswim.com/.