Junior Lake Lifeguards

Click to Download >> How to Become a Junior Lifeguard

Or visit our “How To Become a Junior Lifeguard” in  >> REGISTRATION

The cost of the 2025 Program will be $325.00 per junior lifeguard, per Program Session Class.

The program fee includes one t-shirt and one pair of swim trunks (with one-piece swimsuit-for girls). Extra uniform items will be available for purchase on designated Uniform Handout Days.

Scholarships / Financial Aid:
For the must up-to-date information on scholarships – (click the link below)

>> Scholarship Info / Updates

Scholarship Reminder:

Scholarships MUST BE applied for and received – prior to Registering. The Refund Policy stands, there are NO REFUNDS if you Register before receiving Scholarship assistance. All sales are FINAL.

Transportation to the Program:
There is no transportation to the program in place at this time. Participants will need to be dropped-off and picked-up by a Parent/Legal Guardian daily.

Questions? Email us lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov

Refund Policy beginning in 2023:
There are NO REFUNDS on any LA County Parks & Recreation activities or purchased items. All sales are FINAL.

Program Sessions are:

• 3-week Program
• 4 days a week (Mon – Thurs)
• June & July

Each Session has (2) Classes daily:

• AM & PM Classes
• Morning: 8am-11am
• Afternoon: 12:00pm-3:00pm

>> Review Program Dates & Times

• Participants are required to be 9 years of age by the first day of the attended session.
• Participants are required to be no older than 17 years of age throughout the duration of the attended session.Age Groups:
  JG Assistants (Red Shirts): 15-17 yrs
  A Age Group: 14-17 yrs
  B Age Group: 12-13 yrs
  C Age Group: 9-11 yrs

(3) Program Locations:  

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park (San Dimas, CA)
Address: 120 East Via Verde Drive, San Dimas, CA, 91773
Phone: 909-599-8411

Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (Irwindale, CA)
Address: 15501 Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA, 91706
Phone: 626-334-1065 

Castaic Lake (Castaic, CA)
Address: 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, CA, 91384 
Phone: 661-775-8488

YES, if…..

• They did NOT participate in the program LAST Summer (regardless if they have participated in summers prior) they will need to tryout, or tryout again in order to Register. (Example: have not participated before, or taken a year off due to traveling, injury, etc.)

NO, if…

• They DID participate in the LA County Junior Lake Lifeguard Program last Summer, they DO NOT need to tryout again. When summer Registration opens, you will be able to register your JG without having to attend a tryout. (Check your JGs Activity Grade status to make sure they are eligible). – Review: ‘How To Check Activity Grade’ in FAQs

YES! We have multiple Swim Tryout Dates available so participants can tryout multiple times.

We encourage participants to attend all Tryout Dates and Junior Lifeguard Ready Trainings (Tryout Prep) swims, to gain the best possible outcome of successfully passing the Tryout.

If your child may need some extra help before attempting the swim test, we recommend attending our >> FREE JG Ready Training (Tryout Prep) swims, to prepare participants for the upcoming tryout. Lifeguard Staff work with participants on swimming stroke, speed, and confidence in the water. Our instructors are happy to provide coaching on ways to improve.

>> JG Ready Training Dates & Times

JG participants must pass the (3) modules of the swim test at one of our official Tryouts (in a standard size 25 yard pool) BEFORE registering for the program.

(3) SWIM TEST MODULES:  >> VIEW TRYOUT VIDEO

• Swim 4 laps in a pool, under 2 minutes and 30 seconds (100 yards total)
• Swim underwater for 10 yards (with push off wall)
• Stay afloat, head above water (using hands and legs) for 3 minutes​ (tread water)

(Same requirements for all ages 9-17)

Items to bring to the Tryout Swim to be prepared:  swimsuit, towel, goggles, swim cap, water

Attend our FREE >> JG Ready Training (Tryout Prep) swims! An opportunity for participants to work with Lifeguard Staff on their swim technique, stroke, speed and confidence in the water. With the goal to practice the (3) different swim test modules and learning how to pass them successfully, before attending Tryouts.

Sign-up for FREE at a time and location. 
>> JG Ready Training Dates & Times

Yes, if space permits, Junior Lifeguards will be allowed to sign up for additional Sessions or (AM / PM) Classes.

Parent Orientation takes place before the start of the first Program Session each year between May & June. Each of the (3) Lake facilities have a separate individual date for this event. Please visit the link below for specific Dates & Times for each Lake Location.
>>  Parent Orientation Dates & Times 

Uniform Handouts take place each year before the start of Program Sessions. Each of the (3) Lake facilities have separate individual dates for these events. Please visit the link below for specific Dates & Times for each Lake Location.

>>  Uniform Handout Dates & Times

A (Physical) Physician’s Release Form – is Required Paperwork – for all participants to join the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program.

Click to Download >> (Physical) Physician’s Release Form

Details:

• Each participant is required to have a current, up to date annual Physical on file, cleared by a certified physician, prior to the start of the program.
• Physicals must be active throughout the entire duration of the attended session(s).
• Physicals are DUE BY THE FIRST DAY of the attended Session, turned in to Junior Lifeguard Staff ONLY.
• Early turn in for (Physical) Physician’s Release Forms will ONLY take place during official JG Tryouts and Uniform Handout dates.

>>  Physical Release Details

Need a Location to get a Physical?
For those of you who are struggling to get a Physical done before the start of the program, we have a backup option for you to get paperwork signed off:

Location: Chiropractic and Soft Tissue Center (Mark M. Dederichs DC)
Address: 709 E Rte 66 Glendora, CA, 91740
Phone: (626) 963-6332
Open: Weekdays (Only) – [Closed Tuesdays]

Required Daily Items:

• Clean Uniform
• Towel
• Running Shoes
• Sandals
• Sunscreen (30+)
• Water (lots of it)
• Snack (3 hour day)
• Sack Lunch (6-hour day)

Optional Items (but good idea to bring):

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Swim Goggles (for long swims)
• Extra Towel
• Bag (to carry equipment)

Other Items (allowed if needed) :

• Navy sweatpants or sweatshirt (for cold mornings)
• Water Shoes / Aqua Socks

**Extra uniform items will be Available for Purchase on designated Uniform Handout Days.

For more information visit  >> About Our Program

After parent drop-off:

• JGs check-in with their instructors and line-up for daily roll call & exercise warm ups.

Sunscreen & Water preparation: 
• Sunscreen should be applied at home before the session. JGs will have time during their session to reapply – typically at the beginning and towards the middle of the program. Making sure to continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Workouts & Group Learning:

• Workouts consist of – Running, Swimming, Paddling, Strength Conditioning, Timed Events and Relays.
• Groups Learn together about – Lifeguard Rescue Skills, Water Safety, First Aid, and CPR.

Special Guests & Special Events:

• Each week, different Special Guests are scheduled to visit, such as: Block the Blaze (Sun Safety) and other outside agencies who stop by for surprise presentations.
• Along with scheduled Special Events – Picture Day, Long Swim Events, Boating or Themed Food Picnic Days.
• We even have Special Event Days where parents can come watch or partake in the fun as well – at the Intra-Lake Competition and JG Banquet Day.

Before parent Pick-up:

• JGs will help Instructors clean up for the day, have an end of the day group meeting, then get signed out by parents at pick-up location.

ABSENCE POLICY

• Our absence policy states that participants are able to miss up to five (5) days of the program, WITHOUT needing to re-tryout the following year.
• If a participant misses between six (6) or seven (7) days of the program, it is at the Junior Lifeguard Instructor’s discretion, as to whether the participant has successfully completed the program requirements.
• If a participant misses eight (8) or more days, they will automatically be required to re-take the swim exam the following year.

JG’s who take a year off are not considered returning, and must re-test.

ABSENCE NOTIFICATION

• After the first day of the program, individual Junior Lifeguard Instructors handle attendance. All absences must be excused with a note to your child’s instructor.
• If the absence is known in advance, please let us know as soon as possible.

MAKE-UP DAY DUE TO ABSENCE

• Make-up days for absences at a different location, time, or session are NOT permitted. Due to the impacted nature of the Junior Lifeguard Program and the class size limits. (This is for safety purposes.)

JG Assistants (also known as Red Shirts) are Jr Lake Lifeguards ages 15-17 who demonstrate leadership, strong physical abilities, and are interested in becoming LA County Lake Lifeguards or pursuing another career in public service. JG Assistants receive higher levels of training in first aid and rescue techniques, shadow LA County Lake Lifeguards, and assist instructors as needed. The goal of the JG Program is to foster leadership skills while preparing individuals for future careers as lifeguards or other forms of public service. ​

Jr Lake Lifeguards with at least 2-3 years of previous experience in the Jr. Lake Lifeguard Program are eligible to apply for the JG Assistant Program / Lifeguard Ready Training.

Learn more about >> JG Assistant (Red Shirt) Program

Questions? Email us lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov

The Tax ID Number of the Junior Lifeguard Program is 95-6000927.   

Address: West, 1000 S Fremont Ave, Alhambra, CA 91803 

Phone: (626) 588-5150 

How to check your Profile Activity Grade:

• Log on to your Family Active Net Account
• Click on >> “My Account” (ln the top right corner)
• Scroll down to the box labeled, Other Service
• Click on >> “Activity / Program Graded List”

(A list of Activities that your Family Account has signed up for will be displayed)

Participant (Activity Grade) Eligibility

*Please check each of your children’s ACTIVITY GRADE on your Family Active Net Account, prior to registration (to avoid needing corrections during the registration process).

Eligible – Activity Grade – (YES) Can Register

• ATTENDED
• PASS

Not Eligible – Activity Grade -(NO) Can Not Register

• FAIL

Registration Eligibility Requirements:

• ATTENDED:

Have successfully completed LAST YEARS Junior Lifeguard Program

• PASSED:

Have successfully passed the 3 module Swim Test at one of our official Junior Lake Lifeguard Tryouts

• FAIL:

Did not successfully complete the 3 module Swim Test at Tryouts

ACTIVITY GRADE ERROR

If you believe your grade is listed incorrectly or in error, or you have questions please contact us: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov

LATE ARRIVAL DURING PROGRAM 

If your child needs to arrive late to the program, please send a note with them to excuse the late arrival.  Please keep in mind that some beach locations set up their group a distance away from the drop-off location.  It may be a good idea to park and walk with your child to ensure they arrive safely to their instructor.  

EARLY DEPARTURE DURING PROGRAM
If your child needs to leave early, please notify staff ahead of time with instructions (i.e., exact pick-up time). Please park and ensure your child leaves safely by checking in with Junior Lifeguard Staff and sign-out your child accordingly before your departure.

LATE ARRIVAL DURING PROGRAM
If your child needs to arrive late to the program, please send a note with them to excuse the late arrival. It may be a good idea to park and walk with your child to ensure they arrive safely to their instructor.

*Please note that arriving late or leaving early DOES NOT count as an absence

• Log on to your Family Active Net Account
• Go to your personal “My Account” homepage
• Click on >> “Transaction and Payment History”
  (A list of activities will appear)
• Select the “Withdraw” button to cancel the tryout time slot

• Log on to your Family Active Net Account
• Go to your personal “My Account” homepage
• Under the Payment and Order Management section, Click on >> “Scholarships List“
• Make sure to select the highlighted name and change it to the name of the Scholarship applicant
• If approved, it should now show the Lifeguard Scholarship

Scholarship Reminder:

Scholarships MUST BE applied for and received – prior to Registering. The Refund Policy stands, there are NO REFUNDS if you Register before receiving Scholarship assistance. All sales are FINAL.

Questions? Email us lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov

• Log on to your Family Active Net Account
• Go to your personal “My Account” homepage
• Click on >> “Manage Family Members”
• Select the Family Members name you would like to edit

Questions, Program Information, Recruitment, etc.

• Contact the Junior Lifeguard Office:
  Email: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov

Individual Lake Programs:

• Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
  (San Dimas)
  
  • Email: bonellijgs@parks.lacounty.gov
  • Phone: 909-599-8411

• Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area
  (Irwindale / Azusa)
  • Email: santafedamjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
  • Phone: 626-334-1065

• Castaic Lake
  (Castaic)
  
  • Email: Castaicjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
  • Phone: 661-775-8488