Parent Handbook
Sonoma Coast
Junior Lifeguards
June 10 – July 5 (4th observed), 2024
9am – 2pm Weekdays
Sonoma Coast State Park
Please click here for a printable version of the Sonoma Coast Junior Lifeguard Handbook.
Sonoma Coast Junior Lifeguards
3095 N. Highway 1
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
| Clark Hale | Tim Harvey |
| Program Director | Program Coordinator |
| Clark.Hale@parks.ca.gov | Timothy.Harvey@parks.ca.gov |
| (707)875-3483 | (707)875-3483 |
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD DAILY ITINERARY / REQUIREMENTS
All JG's need to report in uniform to Salmon Creek State Beach by 9:00 am and leave the beach at 2 p.m.
9:15 - 9:30 ROLL CALL
(roll call, announcements, notes from parents, remove beach hazards, sunscreen application, etc.)
9:30-10:30 EXERCISE
(stretching, warm-ups, calisthenics, sit-ups, jumping-jacks, push ups, beach runs, buoy swims)
10:30-12:00 DAILY LECTURE & HANDS-ON LEARNING ACTIVITY
(daily lecture topics include ocean safety, first aid, environmental awareness, ocean recreation, etc.)
12:00 - 12:30 LUNCH (bring your own lunch to eat on beach, sealed container, zippered backpack)
12:30 - 1:45 RECREATION
(beach games, ocean recreation, safe use of soft surf-boards, boogie boards, & JG equipment)
2:00 ROLL CALL & CLEAN UP
(pick up all trash, personal belongings, help clean & put away all JG equipment)
Parents and guardians are responsible for their children after 2:00 pm as there is no supervision beyond programmed hours! Please do not block Handicapped or Red Zones and do not double park while picking up or dropping off.
PARTICIPATION
JG’s are expected to participate in all activities!!!! Students should be on time, in full uniform, and prepared for a full day on the beach (i.e.: sand, sun, fog, cold weather, cold water, exercise, lectures, etc.). Parents should be aware that rigorous physical exercise and ocean swims are a daily part of the program and an integral aspect of lifesaving. Refusal to participate may result in removal from the program. If a student is unable to participate in certain activities, the student should provide a note (from a parent or guardian) to their Instructor first thing in the morning. Exercise and activities will vary for the children depending on their age, size, strength, ability, confidence level, and ocean conditions. If you have questions, please contact the Coordinator or one of the Instructors.
JG’s should bring the following items to the beach daily:
• Uniform (JG Hoody, t-shirt, rash guard and navy blue boardshorts and wetsuit (required)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc…) highly recommended
• Foot protection (sandals, shoes, booties, etc.) highly recommended
• Large lunch (sack lunch and lots of drinking water) highly recommended
• Back pack & towel (bird/squirrel proof) highly recommended
• Swim fins (we supply)
• Wetsuits (Hooded Full Suits) are exceptionally useful during cold water periods and are required
• Positive & enthusiastic attitude required!!!
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken twice daily. Regular attendance is encouraged and will allow students to fully benefit from the program. Please notify us if your child will be absent.
UNIFORMS
We require students to wear a uniform for safety and team camaraderie. The uniforms allow Instructors to safely monitor the children and distinguish them from non-Junior Guard beach visitors. Junior Guards must wear the required uniform in order to participate in the program. The required uniform is a red Hoody, rash guard and T-shirt with the Junior Lifeguard logo (rash guard and T shirt included in course fees, JG Hoodie $40 extra) and a solid Navy blue boardshorts both boys and girls. Uniforms are picked up on the first day of instruction.
Optional /Recommended Uniform Items: Hats, Sun screen, warm clothes as needed, *Note: Please write your child’s name on his or her uniform and all other personal gear. We are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
Cost of Uniform Items (Tax included):
• Red hooded sweatshirt with JG logo $40
We use OriginalWatermen.com for uniform items and a discount online site has been set up for our program.
Junior Lifeguard Instructors are distinguished from Assistants and students by the official California State Park Lifeguard uniform red swim trunks/swimsuits and Lifeguard patch, a navy-blue t-shirt and navy-blue jacket with the official California State Park Lifeguard emblem and Yellow “Instructor” rash guards.
INSTRUCTORS
The Junior Lifeguard Program is taught by professional State Park Lifeguards and specially-trained support personnel. The Lifeguards have extensive experience and rigorous training in surf and ocean rescue, beach safety, first aid, and CPR and in most cases have many years of grade school and high school teaching and interpretation experience. We have current Instructors that have matriculated through a Junior Guard Program. We maintain or do better than the 18 to 1 Student to Instructor ratio recommended by CA State Parks.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Prospective students desiring special accommodations or services under the Americans with Disabilities Act must notify the Program supervisor at least sixty (30) days prior to the start of the Program, or as soon as reasonably possible.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
The California State Junior Lifeguard Program admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights and privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the program. The state does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, scholarships, athletic and other program-administered programs.