UPDATE: 

Both sessions of the Ventura County Junior Lifeguard Program will be canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Junior Lifeguard Program, sponsored by the Ventura County Harbor Department, offers youth 8 to 15 years of age the opportunity to receive instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, emergency medical first-aid, ocean sports activity, physical conditioning, marine ecology, and public service. The program typically runs in July and early August.

“Canceling the Jr. Lifeguard Program was not an easy decision, but the safety of our community is our top priority,” said Harbormaster Gary Hirtensteiner. “We look forward to offering this valuable program in the summer of 2021.”

Enrollment applications are now available to youth interested in participating in the Ventura County 2020 Junior Lifeguard Program.

The Junior Lifeguard Program, sponsored by the Ventura County Harbor Department, offers youth 8 to 15 years of age the opportunity to receive instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, emergency medical first-aid, ocean sports activity, physical conditioning, marine ecology, and public service. Participants must be 8 years of age by June 22, 2020 – the first day of instruction. Enrollment for the program is first come, first served. Due to the popularity of the program, enrollment is expected to fill to capacity quickly.

There will be two sessions (each limited to 120 participants) to the program. Session One is scheduled from June 22 to July 17, 2020 and Session Two is scheduled from July 20 to August 14, 2020. Each session will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday at Silver Strand Beach. Applications can be picked up at the Ventura County Harbor Department at 3900 Pelican Way Oxnard, CA 93035 or by visiting https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-JG-Application.pdf

https://www.instagram.com/p/BztUKDkAdSN/

New Participants

First time participants are required to tryout and qualify before being accepted in the program. In order to qualify, new participants must be able to swim 150 yards within four minutes, float or tread water for two minutes, and be able to dive underwater to a depth of 7 feet. No exceptions.

Tryouts are being held from 10 a.m. to noon on May 16, June 6, June 27 at the Hueneme High School, located at 500 Bard Road, Oxnard, CA 93033. A parent/guardian must be present during the tryout.

There is a fee to enroll in the program. For more information, please call the Ventura County Harbor Patrol at (805) 973-5959.

Editor’s Note: this message was published February 27, 2020.