East Hampton Town’s junior lifeguard training, evaluation, and testing in advance of the summer junior lifeguard program for kids 9 to 15 is underway at the Y.M.C.A. East Hampton RECenter on Sundays. All new and returning participants are required to attend.
Returning participants need only pass a pool swim test in order to qualify for the summer program. Lifeguard instructors will train those new to the program in advance of testing.
The junior lifeguard program, which takes place at ocean beaches in July and early August, is open to children who will be 9 through 15 as of July 1. A Nipper Guard program for ages 6 to 8 takes place at bay beaches; training and evaluation for Nippers begin on April 28.
Sunday sessions for junior lifeguard trainees are from 1 to 1:45 p.m. or from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. weekly through June 23. To qualify for the summer program, trainees will need first to swim freestyle for 50 yards, tread water for at least five minutes, and swim underwater for 10 to 15 yards. Their freestyle, side, and breast strokes will be evaluated, and they will then need to complete timed swims (four laps in 2 minutes and 15 seconds for ages 9 through 12; six laps in 3 minutes and 10 seconds for ages 13 through 15) and paced swims of either eight or 12 laps in the pool. They can return every week until the end of June to train for and successfully complete the test if need be.
All this is offered free of charge as part of the town’s effort to see that all young people are “water-proofed,” but registration is required through the East Hampton Town Recreation Department by clicking here.