Kdun – The Southern Oregon Coast launches its fourth season of the Junior Lifeguard Program, continuing a mission that has become a tradition for local youth and families. The program, open to participants between the ages of nine and seventeen, focuses on teaching essential ocean safety skills in an engaging and practical way. Led by certified open water lifeguards, the initiative combines education with real-world experience, allowing participants to gain both confidence and competence in navigating the often unpredictable coastal environment.
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The Southern Oregon Coast is known for its breathtaking beauty, but it is also home to challenging waters, rip currents, and changing tides. For this reason, safety training has become a vital resource for young people in the region. The Junior Lifeguard Program offers three sessions during the summer months, giving participants the opportunity to learn in a structured, supportive environment. Training includes identifying hazards in open water, improving swimming endurance, practicing rescue techniques, and building awareness of the ocean’s power. Beyond physical preparation, the program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and discipline skills that extend far beyond the shoreline.
Certified lifeguards guide each session, ensuring that instruction is not only educational but also engaging and enjoyable. Many participants describe the program as both fun and life-changing, offering experiences that boost self-confidence while preparing them for real-life challenges.
The impact of the Junior Lifeguard Program goes beyond the individual participants. By instilling water safety knowledge in local youth, the Southern Oregon Coast community as a whole benefits from a generation that is better prepared and more responsible. Graduates often serve as advocates for safety in their schools and neighborhoods, while some go on to pursue careers in public service or professional lifeguarding. The program fosters a sense of pride and responsibility, connecting young people to the ocean not only as a place of recreation but also as a shared natural resource that requires respect and care.
As the fourth season unfolds, the Southern Oregon Coast reaffirms its dedication to combining education, public safety, and community spirit. With each new group of Junior Lifeguards, the region strengthens its future, creating a legacy of awareness, preparedness, and inspiration for years to come.
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