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FAQs
Categories
Beach Safety
- What is a rip current?
- What is an inshore hole?
- Why can't I swim in the ocean after it rains?
- I've seen beach closure signs during my previous trips to the beach. What do these signs mean?
- When I check beach conditions on the lifeguard tower's tide board, I see the word "Caution." What does this mean?
- What does it mean when the area around a lifeguard tower is lined with orange cones?
- Each time I visit the beach, I see red / orange flags posted near open lifeguard towers. What's that about?
- What types of flotation devices are allowed at the beach?
- Are fireworks allowed on Los Angeles County beaches?
- What do I do if I find a seal, dolphin or whale on the beach? Is there something I can do to help it?
- Are there sharks in the waters off Los Angeles County Beaches?
- What do I do if a jellyfish stings me?
- Why do I hear a beep coming from lifeguard emergency rescue vehicles?
Email Specific - Employment
- What is the cut-off time for the Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Candidate try-out swim?
Email Specific - JG / WATER
- Missed Returning Registration
- What is the Junior Lifeguard program? How do I register for it?
- What beaches are still available?
- Uniform Pickup
- What is the WATER Program?
General Beach Information
- Where can I park when I go to the beach?
- Is SCUBA diving allowed off Los Angeles County beaches?
- Can I reserve a spot on the beach for my event?
- How can I find out more info about SCUBA diving off of Catalina Island?
Junior Lifeguard Program
- My child is a new JG; when is the test?
- What are the beach locations for JGs?
- I missed the returning JG priority registration ... what are my options to enroll my children?
- What do I need to know if my child wants to complete in Nationals?
- How do I become a Los Angeles County Fire Department Junior Lifeguard?
- What are the JG Program hours?
- What is required to apply for financial aid?
- Are refunds available for the JG Program?
Beach Safety
| Q: |
What is a rip current? |
| A: |
A rip current is a dangerous channel of water leading out to sea. Water left onshore by breaking waves needs somewhere to go and the force of this water forms lateral currents, called feeders, that feed the neck of the rip current. Water rushes out to sea in the neck of the rip current and disperses at the head of the rip current. Usually waves do not break in the rip current's neck; the water is brown and murky from the sand kicked up by the water.
Click here to see a series of photos of a rip current at Zuma Beach. And remember that swimming laterally to shore will release you from the rip current's hold. Swimming straight towards shore will only tire you out.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
What is an inshore hole? |
| A: |
At certain times of the year, especially during or after periods of large surf, the ocean bottom can be very uneven. Waves break in shallow water and displace the sand on the ocean floor. Ocean patrons may notice this condition while walking through the water close to shore, when just one step sends you from ankle-deep to waist-deep water. These areas may be somewhat difficult to identify. Consult the lifeguard prior to entering the water to get a report of the conditions. |
| Q: |
Why can't I swim in the ocean after it rains? |
| A: |
It is unsafe to swim in certain locations during and after rainfall since the rainwater can wash the contents of the storm drains out to sea, causing pollution and high bacteria levels.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
I've seen beach closure signs during my previous trips to the beach. What do these signs mean? |
| A: |
There are different beach closure and advisory signs with different colors to indicate why and to what extent the beach is closed.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
When I check beach conditions on the lifeguard tower's tide board, I see the word "Caution." What does this mean? |
| A: |
Beach conditions change frequently so it is difficult to constantly update the changes. You should always use caution when entering the water! Consult the lifeguard before you get in the water so that he or she can give you specific details on the conditions and hazards existing in the area. |
| Q: |
What does it mean when the area around a lifeguard tower is lined with orange cones? |
| A: |
The area inside the orange cones is designated as emergency parking for lifeguard vehicles. Every open lifeguard tower and main lifeguard station will have this area set up in case of emergency. For your safety and the safety of others, you should stay outside the cones so that emergency vehicles and personnel can conduct their business efficiently. Consult the nearest lifeguard if you are unsure of where to sit, to ensure that you are situated in a safe place. |
| Q: |
Each time I visit the beach, I see red / orange flags posted near open lifeguard towers. What's that about? |
| A: |
The flags mark the designated swimming and body-boarding area. There is no surfing allowed between the flags. The lifeguard does his / her best to place the swimming / body boarding area away from rip currents and inshore holes.
Depending on the season and activity, you may see the two flags crossed. This serves as a designated point of reference to keep swimmers and surfers separate. Ask the lifeguard which area is best suited for the activity you wish to engage in.
Keep in mind that while the lifeguard establishes this area in the safest possible location, hazards may still exist in these areas; always ask the lifeguard about potential hazards. |
| Q: |
What types of flotation devices are allowed at the beach? |
| A: |
Fiberglass and foam surfboards and body boards are the only acceptable flotation devices on Los Angeles County beaches. Inflatable flotation devices are not allowed in the water. |
| Q: |
Are fireworks allowed on Los Angeles County beaches? |
| A: |
No. Fireworks of any kind are not permitted on any beach in Los Angeles County. |
| Q: |
What do I do if I find a seal, dolphin or whale on the beach? Is there something I can do to help it? |
| A: |
If you come across any sea creature on the beach, do not touch it or attempt to help it. The best thing you can do is alert the nearest lifeguard about the situation. |
| Q: |
Are there sharks in the waters off Los Angeles County Beaches? |
| A: |
While ocean water is a shark's natural habitat, the larger, more dangerous varieties rarely make their way close to shore. Sand sharks are often sighted in the shallows; they are harmless to humans. |
| Q: |
What do I do if a jellyfish stings me? |
| A: |
First of all, try not to touch the site where you came in contact with the jellyfish. Consult the nearest lifeguard and he or she will treat you appropriately. Usually,treating the sting with a mixture of vinegar and water will alleviate the pain. |
| Q: |
Why do I hear a beep coming from lifeguard emergency rescue vehicles? |
| A: |
Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Emergency Rescue Vehicles have been specially outfitted with a device called a "go forward" alarm. Lifeguard vehicles traveling on the beach beep in order to warn beach patrons of their presence. If you can hear the sound, please ensure that you are well clear of the vehicle's path. |
Email Specific - Employment
| Q: |
What is the cut-off time for the Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Candidate try-out swim? |
| A: |
Times vary year by year depending on ocean conditions. In years that there is a large swell or very cold water, times will generally be slower than years with no surf and warm water. For this reason, we take the top finishers by place rather than by time. For a very rough estimate, most of the qualifiers will be across the finish line at or before the 20 minute mark. |
Email Specific - JG / WATER
| Q: |
Missed Returning Registration |
| A: |
WALK-IN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT ANY LOCATION!
Once the March 30th Postmark Deadline has passed, a parent of a returning JG can obtain a random lottery number and wait in numerical order with new applicants at the first swim test to submit their Junior Guard application, drop off the application at the first swim test or they can mail it to: Junior Lifeguard Program, PO Box 910901, Commerce, CA 90091-0901, postmarked after the 1st swim test date, which is May 5, 2012.
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| Q: |
What is the Junior Lifeguard program? How do I register for it? |
| A: |
Information for the Junior Lifeguard program and the registration process is online. The Junior Guard application for new JGs will be available online two weeks prior to each swim test. If you are unable to access the Web site addresses please call (310) 939-7214.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
What beaches are still available? |
| A: |
The availability of specific beaches can be viewed online at www.watchthewater.org/jg by selecting class availability.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
Uniform Pickup |
| A: |
The uniform pickup dates for the Summer of 2012 are June 10, 20 and 27. |
| Q: |
What is the WATER Program? |
| A: |
Information on the WATER Youth Programs can be found at http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/WaterYouth/TextversionFrame.htm
Click here for more info |
General Beach Information
| Q: |
Where can I park when I go to the beach? |
| A: |
Parking at LA County beaches is managed by the Department of Beaches and Harbors.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
Is SCUBA diving allowed off Los Angeles County beaches? |
| A: |
Yes. The following beaches are recommended for SCUBA diving, due to superior visibility and convenient location: Redondo / Torrance, Palos Verdes Area / Abalone Cove & Royal Palms. Please, always dive with a buddy. It is also a good idea to consult the area's lifeguard and inform him or her of your diving plans. |
| Q: |
Can I reserve a spot on the beach for my event? |
| A: |
Generally the beach is first come, first served unless a permit is obtained. See the following link for more details:
http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/bandh/Permits/Main.htm
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
How can I find out more info about SCUBA diving off of Catalina Island? |
| A: |
You can call Catalina SCUBA at 310-510-2616 to learn more about ocean conditions, dive equipment and diving spots.
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Junior Lifeguard Program
| Q: |
My child is a new JG; when is the test? |
| A: |
The first swim test for new JGs this year is May 5. Beginning on April 23 at 9 am and running through noon on May 4, you need to go online (to http://www.watchthewater.org/jg/) to obtain a random lottery number which will tell you what time to go to the swim test. If your child passes the swim test, you will be able to register, pay and chose a beach based on availability.
There are also tests on May 19 and June 3 (the dates to obtain a random lottery number for these tests are May 7 - 18 and May 21 - June 1, respectively).
The locations for the swim tests are:
May 5 - Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach
May 19 - Culver City Plunge
June 3 - Palisades Charter High School
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| Q: |
What are the beach locations for JGs? |
| A: |
Cabrillo (AM-only), Torrrance (AM and PM), Redondo (AM and PM), Hermosa (2nd St - AM and PM), Hermosa (14th St - AM and PM), Manhattan (AM and PM), El Segundo (AM and PM), Venice (AM and PM), Santa Monica (AM Only), Will Rogers (AM and PM), Zuma (AM and PM), Avalon (AM Only) |
| Q: |
I missed the returning JG priority registration ... what are my options to enroll my children? |
| A: |
The priority registration for returning JGs ended on March 30.
You have three options to register your returning JGs: On April 23rd at 9 am, you can obtain a random lottery number and bring the application in person to the Mira Costa (May 5) swim test at the designated time. OR you can drop off the application in the drop box at the Mira Costa swim test and your child will be enrolled after everyone who tries out on May 5th. OR you can mail in the application no sooner than May 5th.
You can go online to http://www.watchthewater.org/jg/ for more information and to register for returning registration. |
| Q: |
What do I need to know if my child wants to complete in Nationals? |
| A: |
Junior Lifeguard Nationals will be on Thursday, August 8th in Cape May, NJ.
Event information will be available at www.uslanationals.org.
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
How do I become a Los Angeles County Fire Department Junior Lifeguard? |
| A: |
All new applicants must submit an application and qualify for the program at one of the swim tryouts in the spring. Because the program demands above-average swimming endurance, each new applicant must pass a 100-yard swimming endurance test. Applicants will also be required to complete an “Underwater Test” before taking the applicable swim test for their age. The Underwater Test will simply require the applicant to dive to the bottom of the pool and retrieve a swim ring. Maximum pool depth will be 7’ or less. A new applicant is defined as a student that did not participate in or successfully complete the program the prior year. (If a student participated in the program two years prior, but not the prior year, he or she is considered a new applicant and must take and pass the swim test again.)
Click here for more info |
| Q: |
What are the JG Program hours? |
| A: |
Junior Lifeguard classes are held in two separate sessions from Monday through Friday, the morning session (8:30 to 11:30am) and the afternoon session (1:30 to 4:30pm). Depending on enrollment, you may have your choice of the morning class or the afternoon class. Please note that some locations do not offer an afternoon program. You may only sign up for one session. Parents should also please note: program hours are occasionally modified into all-day sessions in order to accommodate field trips or competition tryouts that require the participation of all the JG’s in a group. Please check your area calendar for details. |
| Q: |
What is required to apply for financial aid? |
| A: |
Please call (310) 939-7214 or download an application from our Web site. Eligibility must be determined before registration is completed. Financial aid qualification is based on household income; 2011 tax documents, unemployment documents or welfare documents will be required for eligibility. No W2’s will be accepted. |
| Q: |
Are refunds available for the JG Program? |
| A: |
If your child is unable to participate, a refund may be available. We must receive your request for a refund in writing no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 10th, 2012. Mail or hand-deliver your request to: Junior Lifeguard Office, 2600 Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, or you may email your request to captcan@fire.lacounty.gov. PLEASE NOTE: THE UNIFORM COST ($25) & USLA MEMBERSHIP ($10) ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. The refund you receive will be reduced by $35.00.
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