California State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program
Are you a good swimmer?

Swimming is a great way to stay in shape and there are lots of cool places to swim, but it’s important that you feel safe being in the water before you dive into unknown waters.

In an effort to provide quality water safety education, the State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program teaches young people how to be safe in the water and gives them important ocean lifesaving skills.  The program welcomes students of all ages and abilities.

At all stages of the program, safety is the primary consideration, as students are challenged to have a good time, become more physically fit and learn respect for the water, themselves and each other.

The Junior Lifeguards' team-building philosophy is perfect for learning how to deal with various water safety situations.  The program consists of day camps, usually lasting three to five weeks, that provide instruction in first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding.

Ryan and his younger sister Claire live near Monterey Bay and participate in the junior lifeguard program at Seacliff State Beach.  Since they live on the coast, they have grown up with the ocean a part of their lives.

Ryan, 13, has been in the Junior Lifeguard program for a few years now.  He joined because his dad is a trained lifeguard and told him that it he’d have a lot of fun if he signed up.  As is usually the case, dad was right.

“It’s fun and it helps me workout and train for competitive swimming.” says Ryan.

Swimming is an excellent way to stay in shape. It works all your muscles and helps build endurance. 

When he’s not in the water Ryan also runs track and cross-country.

Claire, 8, followed in her brother’s footsteps.  Participating in the Junior Lifeguard program has given her important knowledge regarding water safety.

“Stay out of rip currents and swim near a lifeguard.” advises Claire.

 A rip current is strong stream of water that flows out to sea and can easily pull someone out to dangerous deeper water.  It’s knowledge like this that can help save someone’s life.

When she’s not swimming in the ocean or a pool, Claire can be found riding her bike or playing soccer.  

We all know that water can be fun, but it’s important for us to know the hazards as well. So if you plan on spending time in or near the water and you’re looking for a fun way to learn water safety, be sure to check out the Junior Lifeguards!

Junior Lifeguard programs are currently available at the following State Parks:

Carlsbad State Junior Lifeguards
2680 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad,  CA  92008
(760) 720 – 7019

Folsom Lake State Junior Lifeguards
7806 Folsom Auburn Road
Folsom,  CA  95630
(916) 988 – 0205

Half Moon Bay State Junior Lifeguards
95 Kelly Avenue
Half Moon Bay,  CA  94019
(650) 726 – 8806

Huntington State Beach Junior Lifeguards
21601 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach,  CA  92646
(714) 536 – 4877

Lake Perris State Junior Lifeguards
17801 Lake Perris Drive
Perris,  Ca  92571
(951) 940 – 5652

Leo Carrillo Junior Lifeguard Program
9000 West Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu,  CA  90265
(310) 457 – 5775

Monterey State Junior Lifeguards
2211 Garden Road
Monterey,  CA  93940
(831) 649 – 7144

Manresa, Seacliff, Twin Lakes State Junior Lifeguards
665 14th Avenue
Santa Cruz,  CA  95062
(831) 476 – 4992

Refugio State Beach Junior Lifeguards
10 Refugio Beach Road
Goleta,  CA  93117
(805) 968 – 1760

San Clemente State Junior Lifeguards
3030 Avenida del Presidente
San Clemente,   CA  92672
(949) 361 – 2969

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