Last summer, the County’s Junior Lifeguard Program was cancelled because of Covid worries.
The program, which is held at the beach for youth, ages 9 to 17, provides instruction in water safety, swimming, body surfing, surfing, physical conditioning, competition skills, first-aid, lifesaving, rescue techniques, CPR and the use of professional lifesaving equipment.
Last year a mom alerted Circling the News to the cancellation and said, “We’re supposed to keep our kids at home all summer. They’re not getting education; they’re not getting exercise. They’re spending all day baking and eating, they’re getting fat and dumb, how is that supposed to be good for them?”
Tomorrow, parents have a chance to try and save the 2021 program. According to constituent caseworker Jenney Eubanks, “Supervisor Hahn will be introducing an emergency motion at the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow asking for the Fire Department to work with the Department of Public Health to report back on how to safely resume the Junior Lifeguard program this summer.
“If you are interested in speaking during public comment, please call the number below between 9 – 9:30 a.m. (877) 226-8163 and Participant Code: 1336503 or you can submit your comment at http://bos.lacounty.gov/
“Please indicate that you are speaking under general public comment. Suggested message: ‘I am calling in to support Supervisor Hahn in making sure that the Junior Lifeguard program resumes safely this summer.’”
Additionally, let L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, the Palisades representative, know you support the motion. Contacts: (213) 974-3333 or email sheila@bos.lacounty.gov.
Please save the junior lifeguard program. It is outdoors and can be done distanced. Also, masks can be warn when not in the water. This is an activity that can be done safely. Our children have lost the chance to do so many activities they love. Let’s not take away additional experiences when they can be done safely. We should do all we can to protect the mental health of our community’s children when we can do so safely.
Thank you