Registration Day – Saturday, April 19, 8-9:30am
In person at the Cabrillo Pavilion Bathhouse – Beach Level, or online.
Click here for information.

Enjoy a world famous, nationally-affiliated and disciplined training program of swimming, running,competition, and education. This very popular program includes strenuous daily workouts, water safety, first aid, surf lifesaving, marine education, lifeguard competitions and more. Physical fitness and development are balanced with self-esteem, camaraderie and fun.

The Junior Lifeguard Program offers individuals the opportunity to learn beach safety and ocean lifesaving skills from experienced Beach Lifeguard professionals. Junior Guard daily activities include education in beach and ocean safety, running and swimming activities, beach games, competitions, and trips. Junior Guards are taught the following skills with supervision: tower guarding, rescue techniques, marine biology and oceanography, first aid, and CPR.

There is no transportation to and from Junior Lifeguards. Parents are encouraged to set up carpools. When groups go on trips, parents will be called on to drop off kids at different site.

What’s new for Summer 2008?

• Based on feedback from the  Junior Lifeguard survey, we now offer all Junior Lifeguard camp information, forms, flyers, instructor profiles and printable group calendars online.
• The Jr. Guard Regional State Championships are going to be held at Seal Beach on July 25th this year and Nationals is returning to the west coast and will be held at Venice Beach August 6th.
• Two Jr. Guard boat trips to Santa Cruz Island, Jr. Guard Boat Trip Release

About the Director
We are excited to welcome James Hatsedakis as the new director of Junior Lifeguards. James has been involved with the program since the age of 12, where he was first a participant. He began working as an instructor in 2000, and was promoted to the position of Assistant Director in 2007.

James loves working with kids and is currently a P.E. teacher at Hope Elementary School. In addition, he holds a water polo coaching position at Santa Barbara High School.

The Santa Barbara Jr. Lifeguard Program has accomplished a lot during the 10 years Mike Anderson directed the program. However, James has been there every step of the way, and has the support and respect from the Jr. Lifeguard staff and supervisors to ensure that this program maintains the high standards it is known for. James will be the first to admit that the program's success can be directly attributed to the 14 wonderful and dedicated instructors who keep coming back year after year.

The Jr. Guard Program has grown from 200 to 280 participants over the past five years and has successfully hosted two consecutive Regional State Championships in 2006 & 2007 at East Beach.

All the Jr. Guard instructors are certified ocean lifeguards, with advanced First Aid and CPR training.

Swim Test Requirements
Saturday, May 10, 2pm at Los Baños Pool, 401 Shoreline Dr.
To qualify for the Junior Lifeguard program, all new participants must pass a non-competitive, three-part swim test which includes:

1. 100-Meter swim in 2:20 or less, with a satisfactory swim stroke.
2. 4 minutes of treading water.
3. 15-yard underwater swim.
A make-up test will be offered June 7th at 2pm.

New Recruit Training Week
June 23-27 from 10am-12noon
All first time participants are encouraged to attend this special training week, which is designed to familiarize participants with program equipment, beach skills and program protocol.

Junior Lifeguard Swim Lessons
Swim instruction is designed to prepare your child to pass the Junior Guard swim test and participate in one of the most physically demanding and rewarding programs in Santa Barbara—or just shake off that winter rust. Saturday lessons will be split into endurance swimming and stroke efficiency groups; Tuesday and Thursday evenings are set aside for practice.
Where: Los Baños Pool, 401 Shoreline Drive
When: April 22-May 29 Saturdays from 2-2:45pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15-8:15pm
Code: 10231 Click here to register online

Program Requirements
Each participant is required to wear a uniform daily. The City will provide one Junior Lifeguard long-sleeve T-shirt. Girls provide a red, athletic bathing suit, red lifeguard shorts. Boys provide red lifeguard shorts (minimum one-inch above the knee). Extra T-shirts, program hats, beanies, and sweatshirts are available by special order before the program begins.Swim suits and shorts can be purchased at any local sporting goods store; however, we have had great success using Channel Islands Surfboards and Goleta Sports for shorts, and trunks.

• Channel Islands Surfboard, 36 Anacapa Street (20% discount on trunks if you mention you are a S.B Jr. Guard)

Important Dates
June 27  Poker By the Sea Fundraiser
July 3     JG Picture Day
July 4     Holiday Observed (no Junior Lifeguards)
July 9     Boat Trip # 1 to Santa Cruz Island (spaces assigned by lottery) Jr. Guard Boat Trip Release
July 15   Movie Night #1 at the Bathhouse
July 16   Boat Trip #2 to Santa Cruz Island (spaces assigned by lottery) Jr. Guard Boat Trip Release
July 18   Carpinteria Competition
July 25   Jr. Guard Regionals at Seal Beach: For more information CSLSA website.
July 28   A’s Jalama Surf Trip
Aug 1     Fiesta Competition at East Beach
              Fiesta Meet Event Rules | Fiesta Competition Request | Fiesta Team Sheet
Aug 4     Movie Night #2 at the Bathhouse
Aug 5     Stud Ironman
Aug 6     Nationals at Venice Beach
Aug 8     Ventura Competition
Aug 11   Rincon Surf Day
Aug 15   Final banquet at Chase Palm Park Meadows, 5-7pm

Questions or Concerns?
Contact Rich Hanna
Aquatics Recreation Supervisor
Parks & Recreation
897-2680 or rhanna@SantaBarbaraCa.gov