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TABLE OF CONENTS

Dear Junior Lifeguard ……………………………………… 2

Important Dates ……………………………………… 3

Junior Lifeguard Academy Selection Process ……………………………………… 4

Essay Requirement ……………………………………… 4

Swim Test and Interview ……………………………………… 4

Interview Process ……………………………………… 4

Selection Process ……………………………………… 5

Supervision ……………………………………… 5

Junior Lifeguard Volunteer Requirements ……………………………………… 6

Supervision Received and Exercised ……………………………………… 6

Essential Volunteer Duties ……………………………………… 6

Critical Skills/Expertise Needed ……………………………………… 6

Junior Lifeguard Academy Participant

Requirements

……………………………………… 7

Communication ……………………………………… 7

Reporting for your Shift ……………………………………… 7

“Clocking In” ……………………………………… 7

Appearance ……………………………………… 7

Punctuality ……………………………………… 8

Professionalism ……………………………………… 8

Assignments ……………………………………… 8

Swim Lessons ……………………………………… 8

In-Service ……………………………………… 8

Evaluations ……………………………………… 9

End-of-Season Junior Lifeguard Appreciation

Party

……………………………………… 9

Lifeguard Training Agenda ……………………………………… 1

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Application ……………………………………… 12

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Dear Junior Lifeguard:

On behalf of the Galowich Family YMCA Aquatics Department, we would like to welcome you to our Junior Lifeguard Academy Selection Process. We appreciate your commitment to our community and the desire to help keep it safe. If chosen as a final Participant, we will provide you with the necessary training and support for you to become a successful Junior Lifeguard with the Galowich Family YMCA.

This manual includes an overview of the Galowich Family YMCA Junior Lifeguard Academy. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with our policies and expectations.

Overview of the Program Process: By February 22: Submit Community Service Application & Essay By March 5: Complete Swim Tests

By March 14: Complete Formal Interviews By March 23: Chosen Participants must pay registration fees

By April 29: Participants must turn in requested Volunteer Schedule

By May 26: Participants must successfully complete all Lifeguard

Training Academy classes

By August 12: Participants must complete the minimum of 20 hours of Volunteer Service; includes Lifeguarding and Swim Aid

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or e-mail. Thank you for your enthusiasm and we hope that you enjoy your experience as a Galowich Family YMCA Junior Lifeguard Candidate.

Sincerely,

Max Yoshikawa Aquatics Director Galowich Family YMCA 749 Houbolt Road Joliet, IL 60431 815-782-0813 myoshikawa@jolietymca.org

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Important Dates to Remember

By February 22 Submit completed Junior Lifeguard Academy Community Service Application and Essay to the Galowich Family YMCA.

These can be picked up at the Galowich Family YMCA or downloaded from our

website at: www.jolietymca.org Between February 23 - March 5 Notification of Continuance based on Essay and Application. Swim test must

be scheduled and completed. Swim test consists of a 200 yard swim test (50 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 50 elementary backstroke, 50 breaststroke),

treading water for 2 minutes (1 minute with hands in the water and 1 minute out of the water), and a surface dive to 7 feet, retrieve a 10 pound brick and

swim back to wall with brick on chest.

Between March 7 -21 Based on passing the swim test, a formal interview will be scheduled. Based

on the outcome of the interview, candidates will be selected to move forward with the Lifeguard training. The Lifeguard training will take place at a set date

and time based on pre-selected training dates:

March 24-May 26: 6:30-8:30PM on every Thursday There may be alternative Saturday make-ups scheduled as needed.

June 6 – August 12

Upon completing and passing the Lifeguard training course participants will

complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer time. The volunteer time includes Lifeguarding, shadowing and aiding in swim instructing, and in-

service training for Lifeguards. The volunteer times will be based on the schedule of open dates/times submitted prior to June 3, 2016.

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Junior Lifeguard Academy Selection Process In order to uphold the highest of lifeguarding and swim lesson standards for

our aquatics program participants, we will be limiting the number of Junior

Lifeguard Academy Participants to the 10 applicants that have shown the

highest level of commitment and dedication to the Junior Lifeguard

Academy, from the application to selection process.

Essay Requirement An application and selection process will be used to determine which highly qualified Junior Lifeguard Applicants will be invited to participate in our Junior

Lifeguard Academy. Each candidate will be required to turn in a Community

Service Application and a one (1) page typed, essay. You may choose one of the following as the theme of your essay:

RESPECT: HOW IT APPLIES TO BEING A JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CARING: HOW IT APPLIES TO BEING A JUNIOR LIFEGUARD

HONESTY: HOW IT APPLIES TO BEING A JUNIOR LIFEGUARD RESPONSIBILITY:HOW IT APPLIES TO BEING A JUNIOR LIFEGUARD

Community Service Applications and Essays are due by February 22nd at the latest. Once the applications have been received by the Aquatics Director,

they will be carefully reviewed for the best applicants. Applicants should register online for a swim test date and time at www.jolietymca.org

Swim Test and Interview

From February 24-March 4, applicants will register online for a swim test

and interview or they will be e-mailed a letter stating they have not

been chosen to participate in this year’s Junior Lifeguard Academy. The

300 yard swim test will include: 100 yards (or 4 lengths of the pool)

Freestyle, 100 yards of Breaststroke, 50 yards of Backstroke and 50

yards of Elementary Backstroke; Treading water for 1 minute with hands

in the water, 1 minute with hands out of the water and a 40 yard timed

swim including a surface dive 7-9 feet deep to pick up 10 lb. brick from

the bottom of the pool. Interviews will be scheduled online for those that

successfully complete the swim test.

Interview Process

Interviews will be scheduled with all applicants that pass the Swim Test.

Applicants will interview with the Aquatics Director and a Junior Lifeguard

Mentor. We ask that applicants come to interviews dressed appropriately and

prepared for a 20-30 minute interview process.

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Selection Process

After the swim tests and interviews have been completed, the final selection

process will take place and you will be notified by e-mail of the outcome. If

you are chosen to participate in the 2016 Summer Junior Lifeguard Academy

at the Galowich Family YMCA, you will be given a class schedule and

registration fees, which need to be paid by March 24, 2016. If for any

reason, an applicant cannot participate in all of the Junior Lifeguard Academy

training classes and 20 hours of volunteer time, please notify us immediately

so we may offer this spot to another qualified candidate.

NOTE: If you are not chosen this year for the 2016 Summer Junior

Lifeguard Academy, please do not be discouraged. We appreciate you taking

the time to participate in the selection process and we encourage you to

apply next year.

Supervision

We will have one or more staff members that will be designated the “Junior

Lifeguard Mentor”. This individual will serve as the point of contact for the

Junior Lifeguards at that pool. They will schedule, mentor and evaluate the

Junior Lifeguarding activity.

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Junior Lifeguard Volunteer Requirements

The Junior Lifeguard Academy is designed for youth (10-14 year olds) who

are interested in becoming lifeguards, but do not meet the minimum age

requirements. This Academy will help to prepare participants to apply for and

work as a professional lifeguard, once they do meet the age requirement.

They will help to protect the lives and well being of each person using the

facility. All of Junior Lifeguard Participants are required to spend a minimum

of 20 hours as a volunteer in our Aquatics Programs, during the course of the

summer.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The Junior Lifeguards will receive direct supervision from the Aquatics

Director, Deck Supervisors, Junior Lifeguard Mentor and other aquatic staff.

Critical Skills/Expertise Needed Be Familiar With:

Basic operation of a pool Basic record keeping methods and procedures Safety concerns in and around the pool

Ability To: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Maintain a safe work environment Stand for a minimum of 2 hours per work shift

Junior Lifeguard Academy Course Attend and complete all Junior Lifeguard Academy Classes Shadow swim instructors

Essential Volunteer Duties Enforce all pool rules Provide exceptional customer service to all guests

Rules Communicate problems and concerns with the Aquatics Director, Pool Manager,

Junior Lifeguard Mentor and/or other pool staff Keep physically fit, mentally alert and prepared to respond to any emergency Maintain professionalism at the pool; including appearance, punctuality and

behavior Follow through on all Junior Lifeguard assignments and schedules

Assist in the maintenance of a safe aquatic facility Assist in the teaching of swim lessons to program participants Assist in the administration and logistics of various aquatic programs

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Junior Lifeguard Academy Participant Requirements

Communication

All Junior Lifeguard Academy Candidates/Participants will be responsible for

providing an accurate, regularly monitored e-mail address to the Aquatics

Director. This will be used for all communication from the Galowich Family

YMCA. At anytime that a participant needs to communicate to the Aquatics

Director, please do so by e-mail myoshikawa@jolietymca.org or phone 815-

782-0813.

We strongly encourage the Junior Lifeguard Participants to be directly

involved in setting up their Volunteer Hours and any additional training with

the Aquatics Director. Should you, in the future, become employed as a

professional lifeguard, it is absolutely essential that they are able to interact

with supervisors and co-workers independently.

Reporting for your Shift

“Clocking In”

Each time you arrive for a scheduled shift, you must clock in on a timecard

located in the back office area. You will have a timecard with your name on

it. You must have a Junior Lifeguard Mentor initial the timecard after each

shift you work. Please allow 10-15 minutes before your scheduled start time

to clock in and report to duty.

Appearance

Junior Lifeguards will be required to wear an appropriate swimsuit at all times

during the Academy (as are all lifeguards). This means a one piece suit for

girls and appropriate length men’s suit for boys. You should expect to be able

to get in the water every time you show up for a shift. Please do not do

anything prior to a shift that would prevent you from getting in the water that

day (getting hair styled/colored, body piercings, etc.). You should also wear

the provided Junior Lifeguard t-shirt when reporting to the pool. This is a

mandatory uniform; please do not deviate from it.

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Punctuality

All Junior Lifeguards will be on time for every shift at the pool. Junior

Lifeguards (as well as all staff) are required to be ready to go 15 minutes

before their assigned shift. Timeliness is crucial to the safety and success of

our Academy. All cases of tardiness and/or absences will be documented.

Please do not sign up for any shift that you cannot complete in its entirety.

Please notify the Junior Lifeguard Mentor, Aquatics Director or Pool

Manager of any deviation to your assigned schedule.

Professionalism

The Aquatics Office is a functioning part of our Lifeguarding Programs.

Please keep it clean and all equipment put away in their proper place. Keep

in mind that people approaching the office can overhear your conversations

so no inappropriate language or comments should be made.

Assignments

Junior Lifeguards will be responsible for assisting in the chemical checks and

safety checks throughout their shifts. You will be assigned various additional

duties during your time at the pool.

Swim Lessons

Part of your volunteer experience will be to assist with swim lessons. A

certified Red Cross and/or YMCA Instructor will teach each lesson, and you

will be there to learn from them, as well as assist with the safety of the

class. Prior to becoming an aid you will shadow a swim instructor. It is

crucial for you to be alert and positive with the participants and assist

wherever needed. Be aware of the level of the class, and the skills that are

being taught in the class. Attendance and punctuality are very important,

as the participants and the instructor are counting on you.

In-Service

In-service is weekly training to review your Lifeguarding skills. In-service is

meant as a refresher, not to learn new skills. In-service will occur for 1 – 2

hours each week after each participant has completed the Lifeguarding

course and is mandatory. Anticipated dates for in-service training will be on

Thursdays from 5-6:30 PM, starting June 9 through July 28.

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Evaluations

Evaluations will be conducted for every Galowich Family YMCA Junior

Lifeguard. These are beneficial for the Junior Lifeguard, as they will show

what you need to improve on and where you are excelling. The Junior

Lifeguard Mentor with the input of other Aquatics Staff members will conduct

the evaluations.

End of the Season Junior Lifeguard Games and Party

All successful Junior Lifeguard Academy Participants will demonstrate a

selection of skills learned over the course of the Academy in a Junior

Lifeguard Games against the Junior Lifeguards from Avery and Smith YMCAs.

This event, which family and friends are invited, will be held at one of our

association’s three locations.

As a show of our appreciation for the hours of work you have put in for us

over the course of the season, we will have a Joliet YMCA Junior Lifeguard

potluck party and bonfire following the Guard Games. Time for the event

will be immediately following the Junior Lifeguard Games.

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Lifeguard Training Agenda

Classes One and Two –

1. Welcome and Orientation

2. Scanning and Surveillance

3. Victim Recognition

4. Entries and Assists

Classes Three and Four –

1. Review Entries and Assists

2. Rescues at or Near the Surface

3. Submerged victims in Shallow Water

Classes Five and Six –

1. Emergency Action Plans

2. Primary Assessment

3. Deep Water Rescues

Class Seven and Eight –

1. Deep Water Rescues Review

2. Two person removal from water

3. Pool Procedures (i.e. chemical checks, equipment checks)

Class Nine and Ten –

1. Head, Neck and Spinal Rescues

2. First Aid

3. Review to-date

June 9 – July 28: (Thursdays Only) In-service – 5-6:30 PM

1. Choking Victims, Ventilations

2. Cardiac Chain of Survival

3. AED

GALOWICH FAMILY YMCA- JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING ACADEMY APPLICATIONApplication MUST be filled out completely

Name:Last First (legal) M.I. Date of Birth

Address: Home Phone:

City: State: Zip:

AVAILABILITY: I am unavailable to work the following hours and days:

ACTIVITIES: Describe non-employment activities you have been engaged in that might strengthen your application- i.e.; Sports,

Hobbies, Clubs, Service Organizations, etc.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Paid or Volunteer- Complete all information and begin with the most recent

Organization (Most Recent): Address:

Contact Person or Supervisor: Phone:

Position Title or Responsibilities:

Beginning Date of Involvement: Ending Date of Involvement:

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

Name of Elementary, Junior or High School: Grade:

Name: Address:

REFERENCES:

Phone:

Name: Address: Phone:

I have reviewed my child’s application and certify that all the above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature of Parent/Guardian

E-mail:

Cell:

Date of Application:

Name: Address: Phone:

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

I understand and agree that if my service as a volunteer is accepted, there is no contract period for volunteer service and my volunteer service would be solely “at will”, giving either me or the YMCA the right to terminate my volunteer service at any time without liability or obligation.

CurrentlyInvolved

Organization (Most Recent): Address:

Contact Person or Supervisor: Phone:

Position Title or Responsibilities:

Beginning Date of Involvement: Ending Date of Involvement:CurrentlyInvolved

1. What are some of your extra-curricular (out-of-school) activities? Which do you like best and why?

2. Are you able to stand for long periods of time (i.e. guarding the pool deck) and work in a chlorinated pool? If not please explain.

3. What is the most important job/responsibility a Junior Lifeguard will have and why?

4. Why do you believe you will be a good Junior Lifeguard and Swim Aid?

5. What are three strong personality characteristics you have that will help you to become a good Junior Lifeguard?

6. Have you been in any programs or situations where you were in charge? Describe the situation and how you handled it.