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Contact: Bob Grant, Chief Ranger, 508-771-2144
Cape Cod National Seashore will once again offer its Junior Lifeguard Program for boys and girls ages 13 to 16 this summer. The purpose of the program is to promote water safety and provide job-specific training on Cape Cod by reaching out to area youth. There are no fees associated with this program. Participation is free. Ten spots remain open for the summer of 2010. Junior Lifeguards will be instructed by National Park Service lifeguards in CPR, first aid, and lifeguard training. Participants who will be 15 years old or older before the end of the program and who satisfactorily complete all requirements will receive American Red Cross certifications in these training areas. The program begins July 5th and runs through August 13th. Participants meet at Marconi Beach on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week, from 9:30 AM. to 12:30 PM. Participation in this program does not guarantee future employment as a lifeguard with the National Park Service, though some former junior lifeguards are currently working as ocean lifeguards for the seashore and the towns of Truro, Wellfleet, and Orleans. Participation is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a 1/3 mile open ocean swim followed immediately by a 1/2 mile run at Marconi Beach on the first day of the program. Water temperatures at Marconi Beach are usually near 55 degrees F in early July, and the use of wetsuits will not be allowed for the initial fitness test. Participants will learn about a range of interesting topics beyond formal lifeguard training. One session is taught by a National Park Service law enforcement ranger who will explain how rangers work to protect natural and cultural resources, and maintain the safety of Park visitors. Another session is taught by National Park Service wildland firefighters who will discuss various aspects of prescribed fire and the effects of fire on the landscape, and instruct junior lifeguards in the use of fire extinguishers. Another session conducted by the United States Coast Guard includes a tour of its Provincetown station and, weather permitting, a boat patrol/tour of Provincetown's coastal environment. Junior lifeguards may also work with National Park Service interpretive rangers during surf rescue demonstrations at Marconi Beach. The Junior Lifeguard Program includes arduous physical activity occasionally in high surf conditions. Participants may swim in rip currents and complete beach runs up to five miles. All applicants must contact Chief Ranger Bob Grant at 508-975-0735 or Marconi Beach Lifeguard Patrick Burns at patrick_burns@nps.gov or (508) 771-2144 x8732to schedule a pre-course interview and register for the program. -- NPS -- |
Last updated: February 26, 2015