lifeguards

Jr. Lifeguards

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. The Parks and Recreation Department has one bus and in 2009 hired an additional bus to ensure 90 participants could get to two competition venues; however, many times when groups go on excursions or trips, parents will be called upon to arrange pick-up and drop off for kids at the various locations.

Junior Lifeguards Facebook Page

Registration Day

Registration begins March 20, 2013

In Person:

8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Cabrillo Bathhouse, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

Online:

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on eRecreation

register now

Jr. Lifeguards

If your child loves the beach and ocean, they’ll be sure to enjoy this world-famous, nationally-affiliated and disciplined training program incorporating 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 and camaraderie. Strong swimming skills are a must. Special Registration Information: Group placement is based on the participant’s age as of July 1, 2013 (the National Junior Lifeguard standard).

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Jr. Lifeguard Nippers Program

If you can’t commit to 7 weeks of Jr. Guards or you just want to get your child’s feet wet, this two-week experience of the regular nationally-affiliated program is for you! This program provides many of the same components as the longer Jr. Guard program, including swimming, running, paddle-boarding, marine and beach education; however, all activities are modified based on the lower swim and age requirement.

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Jr. Lifeguard Swim Lessons

Swim instruction is designed to prepare your child to pass the Jr. Lifeguard or Nippers swim test to participate in Jr. Lifeguards—or just shake off that winter rust. Saturday lessons are split into endurance swimming and stroke efficiency groups; weekday evenings are set aside for practice.

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Jr. Lifeguard Parent Night

If your child is in the Jr. Guard or Nippers program, attend this evening to meet instructors and receive information on program philosophy, safety, travel, competition, new activities, and Q&A time. Program packets and calendars will be available. This is also the deadline for program excursions and uniform ordering forms, including uniform distribution.

Jr. Lifeguard & Nippers Swim Test Requirements

New participants only

Participant safety is our #1 concern. The Jr. Lifeguard and Nipper programs are ocean-based and therefore, it is a requirement that new participants complete a three-part, non-competitive pool test on Saturday, May 11, 2pm at Los Baños Pool and an untimed ocean swim with a satisfactory swim stroke on the first day of the program you are registered for to ensure participants are comfortable swimming in the ocean.

A make-up test will be scheduled during the last week of the Jr. Guard swim lesson program, or will be based on satisfactorily completing the untimed ocean swim on the first day of the program.

What’s new for Summer 2013?

Program Requirements

Each participant is required to wear a uniform daily. The City will provide one Junior Lifeguard long-sleeve t-shirt. Parents must provide the following:

May 22, Parent Night - Deadline for all ordering and excursions

Swim suits and shorts can be purchased at any local sporting goods store; however, we will have ordering information shortly on quality swim wear at a discount.

About the Director

This is Kelsie’s second year directing the Santa Barbara Junior Lifeguard program and her sixth year being involved with JGs. Kelsie was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and has spent her summers at JGs every year since 2000. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School, where she played water polo, swam, and was in the MMAD Academy, Kelsie attended Chapman University and then Santa Barbara City College before ending up at UC Santa Barbara. Upon graduation, Kelsie earned her EMT certification and is currently earning her Master’s degree in Sport Management from CSU Long Beach. During the year, Kelsie coaches water polo with both the Santa Barbara Aquatics Club and SBHS before returning to the beach during the summer because she can’t think of anywhere else she’d rather be. Kelsie is counting down the days until the June 10 and can’t wait to spend another summer at the beach with the best program in town.

The Jr. Guard Program has grown from 200 to 300 participants over the past six 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.

Important Information

Important Dates

March 20 Registration begins for Jr. Lifeguard and Nipper programs, in person at 1118 E Cabrillo Blvd,
 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or online with eRecreation.
May 22 Parent Night, 6-7 p.m. at Chase Palm Park Center, 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd
May 22 Deadline for all excursion and ordering forms
June 10 Nippers program starts – 2 week program
June 24 Welcome to Jr. Lifeguards 2013
June 24 JG Picture Day
July 4 No Junior Guards - Holiday
July 9 Movie Night #1 at the Bathhouse
July 10 Boat Trip # 1 to Santa Cruz Island (spaces assigned by lottery)
Jr. Guard Boat Trip Release
July 12 Carpinteria Competition
July 17 Boat Trip #2 to Santa Cruz Island (spaces assigned by lottery)
Jr. Guard Boat Trip Release
July 19 Fiesta Competition at East Beach
July 22 A’s Jalama Surf Trip
July 23 Movie Night #2 at the Bathhouse
July 24 B’s Santa Claus Lane Surf Trip
July 25 Taffy’s Pizza Fundraiser
July 26 Jr. Guard Regionals at Newport Beach: For more information CSLSA website
July 30 Stud Ironman
Aug 5 Rincon Surf Day
Aug 6 Pier Run Challenge
Aug 7 Jr. Guard Nationals at Manhattan Beach: For more information CSLSA website
Aug 8 Pier Swim Challenge
Aug 9 Final Banquet, 5-7 p.m. at the Bathhouse on the sand

Questions or Concerns?