National Beach Safety Week, May 23-30: The Perfect Time to Check Out Summer Programs That Teach Ocean Awareness and Safety

CARLSBAD, CA, May 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) Memorial Day, the traditional unofficial start of summer is quickly approaching and thoughts are turning to the beaches of Southern California. National Beach Safety Week, sponsored by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), begins on May 23 and ends on Memorial Day, May 30th. This is the perfect time for parents to make sure that their children and teenagers learn about and are respectful of the ocean waters. One very effective way to do this is to enroll them in such programs as the Del Mar Junior Lifeguard Program and Little Turtle Program.

The programs are developed for children and teenagers ages 7-17, and designed to provide basic knowledge of beach and ocean hazards and how to have a safe, fun day at the beach. Lifeguard Instructors teach everything from recognition of rip currents and other potentially dangerous safety hazards associated with the beach environment to rescue techniques, first aid, physical fitness, beach games and fun.

The USLA reports that approximately 80% of rescues by USLA-affiliated lifeguards at ocean beaches are due to rip currents. Rip currents are not easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. In the Del Mar Junior Lifeguard program, students are taught how to identify a rip current through observation from the beach, from a lifeguard tower and while in the water. They are then provided with personalized training on how to swim out of a rip current and how to rescue a victim from the current.

After completion of the Junior Lifeguard Program, participants will be able to successfully identify safety hazards on the beach and in the ocean, react to basic first aid emergencies and prevent themselves from becoming victims. The program provides students with general life saving skills in the ocean that may lead them to careers in emergency services.

In recognition of National Beach Safety Week, the Del Mar Junior Lifeguard Program invites parents all over San Diego County to review ten key beach safety tips to ensure a fun day on the beach.

For Del Mar Junior Lifeguard Program and Little Turtle dates and details, log onto http://www.delmarjg.com.

10 Key Beach Safety Tips:
1. Swim in areas supervised by lifeguard(s).
2. Swim with a buddy, never alone.
3. Obey posted signs and flags.
4. Enter water feet first.
5. Learn rip current safety.
6. Stay clear of coastal bluffs.
7. Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
8. Watch for signs of heat stroke, sunstroke, cramping and exhaustion.
9. Use a leash when body boarding or surfing.
10. Always leave the beach and ocean cleaner than when you arrived.

Based in Del Mar, California, the Del Mar Junior Lifeguard and Little Turtle programs are in the business of teaching young adults ages 7 - 17 beach and ocean safety as well as lifesaving techniques used in professional lifeguarding. This is done though lectures, hands-on activities, special guest speakers and training with emergency rescue equipment. Both programs are committed to promoting self-esteem, teamwork, lifesaving emergency skills, general water safety, swimming, surfing, and oceanography. For more information, visit http://www.delmarjg.com or call 760-944-1657.

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