register for GRCC ocean ready™ clinic

The Ocean is One of Life's Greatest Places to Swim

Beaches, waves and open water offer incredible opportunities for recreation, exercise and relaxation. Spending time near the ocean has even been shown to improve mood and reduce stress.

But swimming in the ocean requires a different set of skills than swimming in a pool.

Ocean Ready™ teaches the knowledge, judgement and practical techniques that help swimmers enjoy the ocean with greater safety and confidence.

Did You Know?

Rip currents account for 80% of surf rescues.
​Most victims are actually good swimmers who simply haven't learned how to recognize or respond to moving water.
​Each year about 100 people drown in rip currents in the U.S.

Why our Ocean Ready™ Workshop is Different

​Ocean Ready™ combines classroom instruction with in-water practice against a jet stream to prepare swimmers for real-world ocean condistions.

The Ocean Ready™ workshop teaches safe practices for swimming in oceans, and lets swimmers practice a variety of skills as they work against a swim jet. Participants get instructions, expert coaching and immediate feedback. It's essential knowledge for anyone entering the ocean.​

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The ocean will test your judgement and safety skills more than your stroke.

Practice Ocean Skills in Moving Water Powered by the iGarden Swim Jet

Our portable swim jet creates continuous resistance so participants can safely experience current-like conditions while receiving expert coaching. Practice:

• Swimming against resistance
• "Endless" open water swimming without a wall to push off of each lap
• Escaping powerful current in a safe, controlled environment
• Ocean "safety swimming" that conserves energy
• Stroke adjustments that add stability in moving water

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The risks of ocean swimming and how to avoid them

Stroke tips for ocean swimming

How to recognize dangerous conditions

How to handle waves

How to safely escape a rip current

WHAT MAKES OCEAN SWIMMING DIFFERENT?

• Surf entries and exits
• Cold water
• Currents and waves
• Dangerous rip currents
• Marine life

• Panic and fatigue in ocean conditions
• Murky water, low visibility (not clear pool water)
• Collision risks like jetties, dock structures and rocks
• No walls to grab

THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR:

• Parents who want ocean safety training
• Parents who want ocean safety training for kids
• Teens going to the Jersey Shore
• Families vacationing near the ocean

• Competitive swimmers with little ocean experience
• Strong pool swimmers who've never handled surf conditions

⚠️

Teen Boys & Young Men are at ​Higher Risk in the Ocean

They  account for a disproportionate number of ocean rescues and drownings. They are more likely to:

🚩 Ignore warning flags, conditions or lifeguard guidance 
🏊‍♂️ Overestimate ability, or give in to competitive peer pressure
 ⚠️ Take risks swimming too far, near jetties or out of lifeguard areas
🌊. Try to fight rip currents instead of escaping them correctly
🫨 Delay asking for help, ignoring fatigue
🍺 Use alcohol or drugs before swimming

register

Glen Ridge Country Club Ocean Workshop Days/Times:

Ages 10 through Adults

Tuesday, Aug 18, 5:15-7:15p
Wednesday, Aug 26, 5-7p

Youth Only Session
​Ages 10-16

Friday, Aug 21, 5-7p

🕐  2-Hour Clinic

 💲 Cost: $95
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​ 📍 Glen Ridge Country Club

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Comfortable in deep water
• Competent freestyle and breaststroke
• ​Can swim 50 yards 
• Can tread water for 2 minutes

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​*Max 12 participants per class