TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), to reimburse the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) $30,870, to provide a Junior Lifeguard Preparatory Course at Cabrillo and Jordan High Schools for LBUSD students, from February 3, 2020 through June 30, 2020;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with the LBUSD to reimburse LBFD $26,750 for tuition for LBUSD students to participate in the summer Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, from July 6 through August 14, 2020; and
Increase appropriations in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Fire Department by $57,620, offset by reimbursement revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 1967, the LBFD’s Junior Lifeguard Program has offered students between the ages of 9 and 17 instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, first aid, ocean sports, physical conditioning, and marine ecology, preparing them for careers in public safety and other public service professions. In 2019, the LBFD began a partnership with the LBUSD to improve access to, and success in, the Junior Lifeguard Program. The partnership consists of two separate agreements. The first agreement is to allow LBFD to expand the Junior Lifeguard Preparatory Course to include Cabrillo and Jordan High Schools. This course prepares prospective Junior Lifeguards to successfully meet the minimum swimming standards that allow for full participation in the summer Junior Lifeguard Program. The second agreement is to cover the tuition for up to 50 qualifying LBUSD students to participate in the Junior Lifeguard Program. Due to the success of both of these programs in their first year, the LBUSD and LBFD wish to continue this partnership.
To allow our Program to continue to run this year in the safest possible way during the COVID-19 pandemic, LBUSD and LBFD have agreed to implement the following guidelines specified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). There will be additional guidelines, rules and procedures that will be implemented for the safety of all involved in the Program. All of the modifications are being put into place to ensure the safety of the students and the instructors during this challenging time.
• Daily health screening at home by parents and onsite by Long Beach Junior Lifeguard staff. Screening will include daily temperature checks upon arrival.
• Face masks will be provided to every participant and will be considered part of the required uniform. Face masks will be carried at all times and will be worn when required.
• The Junior Lifeguard area will only be open to participants and staff. Parents, friends, and guests will not be permitted in the area.
• Portable restrooms, wash stations, and hand sanitizer stations will be brought onto the beach to be used by the Junior Guard program only. The portable restroom will remain locked to the general public. The portable restrooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily and any time a need is identified. All participants will be required to use the wash stations before and after the use of the restrooms.
• Once participants check-in, students will be directed to a specific area of the beach based on their age group and instructor.
• Individual groups will not be allowed to interact with one another.
• Instructional groups will be reduced in size.
• Instructional equipment will be used limitedly and disinfected after use.
• A support team will be established to assist with COVID-19 concerns, disinfecting equipment, and screening procedures.
• Staff and participating families will be trained on all new procedures.
• Email correspondence and instructional videos relaying new policies and procedures will be provided to participating Junior Lifeguard families.
• Due to social distancing guidelines, large group events will be eliminated from the 2020 Junior Lifeguard program.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah E. Green on July 1, 2020 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on July 14, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 4, 2020, to expedite the completion of the two Reimbursement Agreements with LBUSD.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total revenue received from these agreements with the LBUSD will be $57,620. An appropriation increase of $57,620 in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Fire Department is requested. The appropriation increase will fund increased Lifeguard staffing costs needed to provide instruction and will be fully offset by the reimbursement revenue. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
XAVIER ESPINO
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER