Canyon Lake kids ages eight to 15 are invited to participate in the California State Parks Jr. Lifeguard Program this summer. Tryouts will take place in Canyon Lake. Tryout dates will be announced at a later date.
Participants must be able to swim 100 yards in under three minutes and tread water for two minutes. Those who meet the qualifications will be invited to participate program.
The two-week sessions will be held at Lake Perris Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Canyon Lake City Council approved funding in the amount of $10,000 to provide bus transportation for Canyon Lake kids participating in the program.
The funding was made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, establishing the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for cities and towns across the U.S. to receive a funding allocation. The rules regarding the funds were recently revised by the Treasury Department to allow for more flexibility on how the funding can be spent.
The Jr. Lifeguard Program is a two-week recreational and educational summer program for children ages eight to 15 years old. The program teaches kids the basics of First Aid and CPR, aquatic safety, various water rescue techniques, and the natural and cultural resources that the California State Parks system has to offer.
The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and aquatic safety while introducing young people to safe marine and aquatic recreation opportunities. The program is designed to provide quality water safety education while improving young people’s physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers. Students of all abilities and skill levels may participate.
The Canyon Lake Enrichment, Activities and Recreation (CLEAR) Foundation is working on bringing a Jr. Lifeguard Program to Canyon Lake next year so participants won’t have to travel to Lake Perris in the future. CLEAR is a California registered nonprofit, pending 501(c)(3) determination.
