As the current COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact our community, our residents have come to realize that the current regulations and dynamic nature of the pandemic are changing on a daily basis. The decision that was previously made to cancel the Huntington Beach City Junior Lifeguard program was extremely difficult.
As the Governor is planning to move to a Stage 3 reopening and also set COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Day Camps, we have decided to move forward with a modified program for the summer of 2020 utilizing the new guidelines. The decision to move forward with the modified program and the following requirements are in compliance with the current guidelines and will continue with the long standing tradition of prioritizing the safety of both our students and instructors.
In order to provide for the safety of our students and instructors, the following will be the requirements for the 2020 season of the Huntington Beach City Junior Lifeguard program.
- The Junior Guards program will be six weeks for the 2020 year only. To accommodate the smaller class sizes and to provide for the PPE, Sanitizer, and portable restrooms the cost of the program will remain at $605 HB resident and $630 non-resident.
- The program will be limited to returning students only in order to maintain a 12 to 1 student to instructor ratio. Priority will be given to those who have already registered.
- If space is available in the C division, last year’s Sand Crabs who have aged up to the C division will be given an opportunity to tryout and register.
- The Sand Crab Program will be suspended until 2021.
- Detailed information regarding daily procedures and health requirements will be provided to parents via email and the Junior Guards website prior to the start of the camp.
- Parents will be asked to conduct a Daily Health Screen of participant children each day of camp. All staff will also health screen each day. Further details regarding the health screen will be provided to parents via email.
- Participants will have a mandatory temperature check conducted with a non-touch thermal thermometer at check in each day. Those with a temperature of 100.0 Fahrenheit or greater will not be allowed to participate that day and will need to follow up with a staff supervisor for further direction.
- Staff will be trained on observing for signs of illness in participants. If a participant appears to become ill during the camp, the participant will be evaluated by staff to determine if the participant needs to be removed from activities and have parent or guardian notified.
- Participants will be provided with a reusable/washable face cover as part of their Junior Guards uniform. Participants will also need to bring a personal bottle of hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% ethyl alcohol, with them each day. Staff will conduct checks to ensure all participants have the required items at check in each morning.
- Face covers will need to be worn at certain times based on our efforts to comply with appropriate social distancing requirements. We will make every effort to keep the need for face covers to an absolute minimum, however, there will be times when they will be required.
- Portable hand washing / sanitizer stations will be available for staff and participants to use as needed. Portable Restrooms will be brought in for the specific use of the Junior Guard program only. Portable restrooms will be cleaned daily and secured after the program (no public use will be permitted).
- Groups (A, B, C) will have different drop off and pick up areas at our designated beach locations to prevent co-mingling of participants and to maintain social distancing. Parents and family members will not be allowed into the Junior Guards camp area at any time.
- Students will need to bring their own bottle of water and snack each day. The concession stand will be off limits during the program due to social distancing requirements.
- The curriculum is currently being constructed and reviewed by staff members. The curriculum will follow current California Department of Public Health recommendations and guidelines. The curriculum will be modified from previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but will still provide for a great experience for participants.
- Participants and staff members will adhere to social distancing guidelines during the duration of the camp.
- Participants repeatedly not adhering to the established guidelines and protocols may be dismissed from the program for the remainder of the season.
- The overall goal for the Junior Guards program is to provide a safe and fun learning environment for all participants. While this summer’s program will be modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety and health of participants and staff is the top priority.
The program will run from July 6th to August 13th. There will continue to be a morning and an afternoon group for all levels during the modified program. The cost of the program will remain unchanged due to the necessary logistics associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Registration for the program will begin on Friday June 12th at midnight.
For additional information in regard to registration, uniforms or any other questions, please see the below website.
Huntington Beach City Junior Lifeguard Website
As a Fire Department, we are excited to have the opportunity to provide this program to our community and we are looking forward to a safe and memorable experience for all of our students and instructors.
For more information on COVID-19 and available city services, please visit www.HBready.com.
