THE FACTS about Teen and Young Adult drowning Incidents in California
Each year there are reported cases of teens and young adults drowning. Here are facts and prevention tips to share with your friends and family who may be teens and young adults near and around water!
1. Most accidents occur when there is NO adult supervision or in non- lifeguard protected areas- ALWAYS SWIM IN SUPERVISED AREAS.
2. Teens over-estimate their abilities and under-estimate the true conditions of the water (tidal action, cold temp., depth of water, objects in the water) - SWIM IN DESIGNATED AREAS - READ ALL SAFETY SIGNS.
3. Alcohol and drugs impair a person's ability to use good judgment around water. NEVER DRINK and SWIM.
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The best way for a teen to avoid being part of the problem is to be part of the solution. The information below provides details on training, employment and volunteer opportunities in aquatics. Most statewide agencies are recruiting eligible individual ages 15 years and up for lifeguard opportunities. For teens ages 12-15 Junior Lifeguard Programs are a great way to train and get more involved in preventing drowning in your community. Contact your local recreation or park district to find out more about what they have to offer you.
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JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAMS:
A great way for teens to improve their water safety knowledge is to attend a Junior Lifeguard class. These classes are generally for children ages 9-17 (depending on the program) and are offered through most local aquatic programs. Check out what kind of junior lifeguarding programs are available in your area by contacting your local parks and recreation department.
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LIFEGUARD TRAINING:
Want to make a difference in your local community? Become a lifeguard and/or swim instructor. Generally, teens need to be at least 15-16 years old to become a lifeguard.
Visit the Red Cross Lifeguarding website to find a local class in your area. Red Cross Lifeguards are usually employed by public agencies such as a municipal parks and recreation department. You must be 15 to take a Red Cross Lifeguarding course.
Red Cross also offers a Water Safety Instructor course for teens and college students to learn how to give swim lessons. You must be 16 to become a certified Water Safety Instructor.
Ellis and Associates also offers intensive lifeguarding certification classes. Ellis Lifeguards are generally employed by private sector aquatics providers such as water parks.
United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) offers employment opportunities for beach and open water lifeguards. You must be 16 to become a USLA Lifeguard.
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