Tryouts are coming up

It’s still winter, but tryouts for a Newport Beach summer institution are right around the corner.

Swim tests for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards begin Sunday and continue on Sundays and Tuesdays through the end of the month. This year officials say that thanks to slightly higher requirements — applicants must swim five seconds faster this year — everyone who passes is likely guaranteed a spot.

“We can tell by our records,” program director Reenie Boyer said. “We anticipate that everybody who passes that time requirement will have a place,” though Newport Beach kids do get priority in registration.

This year will be the 24th for the program, and it represents a return to tradition after the program’s length was cut in half last year to accommodate twice as many sessions. Parents surveyed last year at the end of the summer preferred the original, eight-week program, Boyer said.

“The eight weeks just gave a lot more time for students to gain confidence,” she said. “We gave it our best but people prefer it this way.”

The program exists so kids can know how to be safe when they come to the beach, whether alone or with their families, Boyer said.

“They’ll know what a rip current is and how to swim out of one,” she said. “They’ll know our lifeguards’ flag system, and they’ll get some basic first aid skills training.”

Kids will also visit tide pools to learn about marine life, and staff are carefully picked to serve as mentors, Boyer said.

“When you look at the big picture, it really builds character and esteem for these kids,” she said. “All of our instructors are trained ocean lifeguards, and we make sure they really have character because they’re going to be instructing young adults all summer.”

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards program is for ages 9 to 15. Tryouts do not require reservations, and will be held 9 a.m. to noon Sundays, Feb. 11 to March 4 , and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 13 to Feb. 27, at the Newport Harbor High School pool. Those taking the test must bring a birth certificate as proof of age. Those with more questions can call (949) 675-8420.