Lynette Thomas
Special to the Sun

Last Friday, 23 Kern Valley Junior Lifeguards came to do their best at the first Junior Lifeguard competition held at Paradise Cove. There were five events made up of a mixture of individual and team events. The challenges were all part of what they trained for during camp. A long distance run, a swim-run-swim, a life saving elimination swim were a few of the events. Participants ages ranged from 7-15. Each Junior Lifeguard received medals and ribbons after the competition.

During Junior Lifeguard Camp, participants were introduced to CPR & First Aid, practiced and perfected the use of rescue tubes, and other lifesaving skills. Activity days included an open water day at the lake, river rafting, introduction to kayaking and stand up paddling complements of Sierra South and Mountain River Adventures. Care Ambulance, Search and Rescue, and Lake Patrol were guest speakers and demonstrators throughout the program.

Junior Lifeguard Bryson Morse holds on to his rescue tube as he competes in the first Junior Lifeguard competition held at Paradise Cove last Friday. The competition included a mixture of individual and team events.

While Junior Lifeguards wrap up their first season, swim lessons, recreation day camp, lap swim and senior aquatics continue at KVAP. The final two week swim lesson session for the summer will begin on July 26. Classes will be held at 9:30am and 10am. Scholarships are still available and based on a first come first serve and need basis. Recreation Swim Camp costs $50 per month and meets Mon-Thurs from 12:00pm-4:00pm and includes a free Seamless lunch to anyone under the age of 18. Senior Aquatics remains on Mon/Wed/Thurs at 11am. Lap swim takes place Mon-Thurs at 4pm-5:30 and will remain open based on participation.

Register for lessons online at www.kvap.org. For more information, email info@kvap.org or call 760-299-2030. Lap Swim and Sr. Aquatics do not require registration.

“Our success is due to the many supporters in our community who attended the pool party, donated items for the silent auction, and sold or purchased drawing tickets to support our program,” said Thomas, Director of KVAP. The pool party and drawing raised $4450.We thank our gold sponsors, for making our dream a reality; Edison, AltaOne, Juniper Networks and First Five of California. For a complete list of sponsors and supporters, please visit www.kvap.org.

Kern Valley Aquatics Program (KVAP) is Not for Profit, offering swim lessons for all ages. Our mission is to make every child and adult in the Kern River Valley Water safe. Our Motto is teaching excellence one stroke at a time. Kern Valley Aquatics Instructors have over 70 hours of Red Cross Life Guard and Water Safety Instruction.