SWIM TEST POLICY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR 2025

Please see below for important information regarding our swim test requirements:

• ALL STUDENTS (NEW AND RETURNING) ARE REQUIRED TO PASS THE SWIM TEST. Returning A Group students (those who participated in the A Group in 2024) are exempt from this requirement and do not need to attend/pass the swim test.
• STUDENTS MUST ATTEND ONE OF THE SWIM TEST DATES ASSIGNED BY SESSION. Please do not sign up for a session if your child cannot attend one of the designated swim test dates. See below for the list of scheduled swim test dates. Registered students who do not attend one of their session's assigned swim tests will be removed from the program and their spot given to someone who is on the waitlist.
• STUDENTS MAY ONLY ATTEND THEIR ASSIGNED SESSION SWIM TEST DATES. Students may attend any of the test dates assigned to their session (they may attend more than one test date if needed). If a student is unable to pass the swim test requirement then parents can submit a request for a refund (please see below for details). We strongly recommend parents do not register their children for the program unless they can confidently pass the swim test. 
• PROOF OF AGE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL REGISTERED STUDENTS. Proof of age will be required for all registered students during the check-in process at the swim tests. Official documentation is required (birth certificate, passport, etc).
• SWIM TESTS ARE FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS ONLY. If a spot becomes available, waitlisted students will be notified of a make-up swim test date.

Based on our swim test requirements, we strongly encourage regular swim workouts or swim lessons to prepare your child. Parents should evaluate their child's swimming ability prior to the start of online registration. We highly recommend parents sign up their child for one of our sessions only if they can confidently pass the required swim test for their age group. Please note the swim test will be administered in a 25-yard pool. 

REFUND REQUESTS REQUIRED FOR INABILITY TO PASS SWIM TEST REQUIREMENT: If your child is unable to pass the swim test, you must submit a written request for a refund. Please email your refund request to sdjuniorguards@sandiego.gov by the refund request deadline.

To clarify, please see below for refund request deadlines (this information is also posted on our Refund Policy page):

Session 1:

Last day to request a refund for any reason: April 9

Last day to request a refund due to inability to pass/attend swim test: April 22

Session 2: 

Last day to request a refund for any reason: May 7

Last day to request a refund due to inability to pass/attend swim test: May 13

Swim Test Requirements

All students (new and returning) must pass the swim test in order to participate in the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Program. 

All Junior Lifeguards must meet the following swimming requirements. 

2025 Swim Test Dates  

**Please note you do not need to sign up for a swim test date or time. Students will be tested on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do expect a high number of families to attend each tryout date so please be prepared to wait in line for your child's turn to swim. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the end time. 

Session 1 and Grommets Swim Test Dates:

Saturday, April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location TBD

Sunday, April 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location TBD

Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location TBD

Session 2 and Grommets Swim Test Dates:

Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location TBD

Sunday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm, Location TBD

Saturday, May 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Location TBD

Additional Grommets & Waitlisted Student Make-Up Swim Test Date:

Sunday, June 1, Time & Location TBD

**LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON POOL AVAILABILITY. PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE PAGE FOR POSSIBLE UPDATES OR LOCATION CHANGES PRIOR TO ATTENDING.

For other questions or concerns regarding the swim requirements, please email sdjuniorguards@sandiego.gov.