Expectations

Parents and guardians play a vital role in the success of the program and are expected to:

• Ensure timely drop-off and pick-up of their child at designated locations.

• Communicate absences or concerns directly with program leadership in a timely manner.

• Reinforce program rules and expectations with their child at home.

• Respect the authority and decisions of instructors, coaches, and program leadership.

• Address concerns appropriately and privately, not during active programming or in front of participants.

• Model positive behavior and sportsmanship at practices, competitions, and events.

• Ensure their child arrives prepared with appropriate gear, nutrition, hydration, and sun protection.

• Understand that ocean and weather conditions change, and program decisions are made with safety as the top priority.

• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines, allowing staff to instruct and manage participants.

• Support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all families involved.

All Junior Guards are expected to:

• Attend regularly and arrive on time for all scheduled practices, meets, and events.

• Come prepared with required equipment (swimsuit, cap, goggles, towel, sneakers, sunscreen, water).

• Listen to and follow instructions from instructors, coaches, and staff at all times.

• Demonstrate respectful behavior toward peers, staff, volunteers, and members of the public.

• Show good sportsmanship—win with humility, lose with grace, and encourage teammates.

• Participate safely in all activities and follow beach, ocean, and safety rules.

• Put forth best effort, even when activities are challenging.

• Remain with their assigned group unless given permission by a staff member.

• Represent the Belmar Junior Lifeguard Program positively on and off the beach.