Online registration for 2024 begins February 24, 2024. For program dates, please check the information listed on the "Class Sessions" page. Additionally, please check our website before the registration start date for any updates to the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program. For questions, please email us at sdjuniorguards@sandiego.gov.

The San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program offers youth - ages 7 through 17 - an opportunity to learn from professional lifeguards. It is a skills-based program designed to introduce and expand knowledge of the ocean and the coastal environment. Please read below for more information regarding program content and daily activities and expectations. 

Students gain a wide variety of skills and knowledge including:

• how to enjoy the beach safely
• ocean and wave education
• area familiarity
• first aid and CPR
• water rescue techniques
• the importance of keeping physically fit and other topics related to lifeguarding

This valuable experience builds self-confidence and skills for life.

The content of our Program includes all of above plus:

• development of swimming, running, and ocean skills
• development of physical and mental fitness
• body surfing/body boarding
• surfing
• stand-up paddle boarding
• beach games
• competition events 
• group cohesiveness

Daily activities will usually include warm-ups, running 1-2 miles per day, and swimming in the ocean and/or bay. Junior Guards are expected to participate in all activities planned by their instructor. 

Our Instructors are a team of San Diego Lifeguards who provide a fun and safe aquatic education to the youth of San Diego by developing confidence, mental and physical fitness and respect for one another and the coastal environment. They have been chosen to work with the Junior Lifeguard Program based on their work history, lifeguarding experience and desire to work as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor. The Program is managed by the Junior Lifeguard Program Manager, and a Lifeguard Coordinator (permanent lifeguard staff).

• Check out the Junior Lifeguard YouTube Channel to see what we're all about.

News and Announcements

Please be sure to review the SDJG Refund Policy before registering for our program.