Thirteen-year-old Billy remembers when he could only swim three laps of the pool at one time. Now, after taking part in the SCAQ Kids’ program, he can now swim 100 yards (four laps) straight. This is the distance he will need to cover in one-minute, 40 seconds time come this April/May. If he makes the cut, he gets to spend the summer at the beach as a Junior Lifeguard, a Los Angeles County summer camp for kids ages 10-17 that teaches ocean safety.

        Nine-year-old Mary said, "My older sister did it and I was too young last summer.  I was so jealous when we dropped her off at the beach every day.  I am working so hard so that I can make the test time and also get out there fast through the waves."

       SCAQ Kids (also known as Culver Swim Club) is under the leadership of Olympian Rada Owen, who competed in the 2000 Sydney Games. The program combines conditioning, technique and strategy to help young swimmers pass the Junior Lifeguarding test. Coach Rada likes the idea of laying the foundation of good technique and the fundamentals of swimming in young kids, and hopes to inspire them to try competitive swimming.

      Junior Lifeguard tryouts are coming soon and kids have got to get lapping now!

      Jill, 11 years old: "It is so tough, but I love it.  I am nervous that I can make it.  My coaches need me to drop 10 more seconds to make it.”

      But we are confident our coaching staff will have her ready. The experience SCAQ Kids gain surpasses the skills necessary for Junior Lifeguards.

      SCAQ Kids is sponsored and run by SCAQ Swim Club, a community based adult swim program that is active in local pools and the ocean. In the summer, SCAQ adults can attend ocean workouts Tuesday mornings at Hermosa Beach and Thursday mornings in Santa Monica. Get a trial swim for yourself or for your kids. Call 310.390.5700 or email SCAQ@SWIM.net