Destin Junior Lifeguards swim into second year
The Destin Junior Lifeguard program is in its second year of operation.
It consists of 44 juniors and 21 lifeguards in training (LITs) who returned from last year's program. The program was implemented to teach youth in the local area how to be safe at the beach, how to deal with environmental concerns and other aspects of being a beach lifeguard.
A big part of each day in the program is spent training. Program participants do a lot of swimming, running and rescue board paddling to prepare them for the physical rigors of being a beach lifeguard.
Each year the United States Lifesaving Association sponsors a competition which allows the juniors to display the physical skills they have acquired through their participation in the program.
This year the competition is being held in Fort Lauderdale. The Destin Junior Lifeguard Program is hoping to take at least 30 young people to this competition and needs to raise $5000 in order to cover the expenses of the trip.
Community members can make tax-deductible donations to support the group. Checks should be made to the Destin Fire Rescue Foundation.
For more information, contact Bobbie Metz or Donna Wykoff at (850) 837-8413.