At its recent Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting, residents questioned any reasoning for canceling summer programs for the second year in a row. One program specified was the Junior Lifeguard youth program.
In response, Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina, read in an urgency motion directing the LA County Fire Department, to consult with the Department of Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management on how to safely resume the LA County Junior Lifeguard program this summer.
The LAFD and DPH were directed to report back to the BOS within 30 days. The motion passed 5-0.
“I actually think that Junior Lifeguards is something we can figure out how to do safely,” said Hahn. “It made sense to cancel the program last summer, but now we have a better idea of how to prevent the spread of this virus and how we can reduce the risk of outdoor activities. If we can do it safely, I think we owe it to our kids to get Junior Lifeguards back up and running this year.”
When the county program was canceled last summer, the City of Avalon offered a local version, modified with face coverings and social distancing. The City of Avalon’s Community Services Department has scheduled some events for 2021, but early events are listed as TBD.
In an email from Community Services Director Dan Hunke, he expressed optimism that the city will be able to begin to offer some programs.
The Junior Guard Program is designed to instruct youth (ages 9-17) in beach and ocean skills.
In addition to water safety and swimming, it teaches physical conditioning, first aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR and the use of professional Lifesaving equipment.
