The Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Junior Lake Lifeguard Program provides a challenging and exciting open water environment which promotes an active and responsible lifestyle for participants ages 9-17.
Lifeguard staff serve as mentors and impart their experience by leading hands-on activities. Youth are introduced to water safety, athleticism, teamwork and potential careers in aquatics. Participants learn from a variety of activities that range from first aid, CPR and water related rescue skills.
This 3-week summer program offers 2 sessions (morning or afternoon) daily, Monday through Thursday, and will be held at three LA County Parks locations:
2023 PROGRAM DATES:
Session 1: Monday, June 12 – Thursday, June 29
Session 2: Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 27

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A JUNIOR LIFEGUARD?
- PLEASE READ our (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions below for program details and registration process.
- All registration processes for the Junior Lifeguard Program are done through the online Active Net system.
Pool Practice Swims (Available) to Train for the Swim Test – April 8th & 15th – 8:00am to 12:00pm Locations: Norman Johnson Aquatic Center & Castaic Aquatic Center (No Sign-up Required)
Swim Test Registration will OPEN for sign-ups on Saturday, April 1, 2023 @ 8:00am.
Program Session Registration will OPEN on Saturday May 6, 2023 @ 8:00am
• 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic, CA, 91384
• Phone: 661-775-8488
• Program Office: 661-775-8488
• Email: castaicjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
- 15501 Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA, 91706
- Phone: 626-334-1065
- Email: santafedamjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
- Parent Meeting Powerpoint
- Picture Day Order Form
- Program Calendar
- Santa Fe Dam Map
- Competition Events 2023
- Competition Map
• 120 East Via Verde Drive, San Dimas, CA, 91773
• Phone: 909-599-8411
• Email: bonellijgs@parks.lacounty.gov
Scholarships Are Here
This year, prospective Jr Guard applicants can apply for scholarships that will cover all program costs of the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Submission of a scholarship does not guarantee awarding of a scholarship, nor a spot in programming. Applicants can apply by filling out a scholarship application here or at the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question to expand for full answer
- Active Net is the is online system used to sign-up for the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program
Login / or / Create an Account
- Swim Test Tryouts will OPEN: Saturday, April 1, 2023 @8:00am
- Program Session Registration will OPEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00am
- Uniform Handout Sign-up will OPEN: June 1, 2023 @8:00am (for select dates/times per facility)
- Physicals are DUE by the first day of the attended session in June / July
Summer 2023 Program Dates:
Participants can choose between:
Session 1: June 12 – June 29, 2023 (Monday-Thursday)
- AM Class – 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- PM Class – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: July 10 – July 27, 2023 (Monday-Thursday)
- AM Class – 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- PM Class – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Note:
– Sessions are (3) weeks in length / (4) days a week
– Classes are (3) hours each
- 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.
- Participants are split into age groups within the program:
- “A” Age Group: 14-17 years of age
- “B” Age Group: 12-13 years of age
- “C” Age Group: 9-11 years of age
Summer 2023 Program Fee:
AM Class: $325
PM Class: $325
*Note:
Program Cost = per-class, per-participant
Fee Includes:
- uniform t-shirt
- navy blue custom-designed board shorts
- *one-piece swimsuit (for girls)
**Extra uniform items will be available for purchase on designated Uniform Handout Days.
(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
Returning Junior Guard
- A participant that has successfully completed the 2022 Junior Lifeguard Program. This qualifies them to register online for the 2023 program, when registration opens. (They DO NOT need to attend and pass a swim test tryout again, but do have the option to attend tryouts to get sized for uniforms).
Returning Junior Guard (DID NOT attend/complete the 2022 Program)
- If your child is a returning participant, but DID NOT attend / successfully complete the 2022 Junior Lifeguard Program, their registration process will be defaulted back to “Newcomer Junior Guard” (which includes the retake and pass of a swim test tryout.)
Newcomer Junior Guard
- For Newcomer Junior Guards to enter the program, all ages (9-17) are required to pass a (3 module) swim test tryout, at one of our official LA County Parks & Rec Junior Lake Lifeguard Swim Test Tryout dates, before they will be qualified to register for the program online, when registration opens.
NO – Tryout Required:
- Any Junior Lifeguard who successfully completed the 2022 Junior Lifeguard Program will be qualified to register for the 2023 program (without needing to attend and pass a Swim Test Tryout again).
YES – Tryout Required:
- If your child is a returning participant, but DID NOT attend / successfully complete the 2022 Junior Lifeguard Program, they will be required to retake and pass a swim test tryout again, before they will be qualified to register for the 2023 program.)
- The Swim Test Registration will OPEN for sign-ups on Saturday, April 1, 2023 @ 8:00am.
- **A licensed Physician will be available for (optional) Physical Paperwork Sign-offs, at Norman Johnson Aquatic Center on select tryout dates (below) for the 2023 season, if any family’s need an official physical.
The 2023 Swim Test Dates are as scheduled:
(2) Swim Test Tryout Locations:
Castaic Aquatic Center
31350 Castaic Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
- Saturday, April 22, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Castaic Aquatic Center
- Sunday, April 23, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Castaic Aquatic Center
- Saturday, April 29, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Castaic Aquatic Center
Norman Johnson Aquatic Center
405 S Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006
- Saturday, April 22, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
- Sunday, April 23, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
**Physical Paperwork Sign-off Available (9:00am-3:00pm)
- Saturday, April 29, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
- Sunday, April 30, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
**Physical Paperwork Sign-off Available (9:00am-3:00pm) - Saturday, May 20, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool) - Sunday, May 21, 2023 – (8:30am – 3:30pm)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
**Physical Paperwork Sign-off Available (9:00am-3:00pm)
(*Morning swim ONLY – Swim Test for just Session 2)
- Saturday, July 8, 2023 – (8:30am – 10:00am*)
@ Norman Johnson Aquatic Center (Arcadia Pool)
*Note:
- Swim test dates will open for sign-ups on April 1, 2023 @ 8:00am via the online registration system through your family Active Net account.
- Swim Tests do not guarantee entry into the program.
- After participants pass the swim exam, they will be qualified to register online when registration opens.
- Registration is first come, first serve with a limited number of available slots.
- If you have questions about signing up, please contact one of our park offices:
Bonelli Park: (909) 599-8411
Santa Fe Dam: (626) 334-1065
Castaic Lake: (661) 775-8488
or email us: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov
New participants (9-17 years old) are required to attend one of the LA County Parks & Rec Junior Lake Lifeguard Swim Test Tryouts and pass the 3 module swim exam.
Swim Test (Requirements)
- 100-yard swim (using freestyle stroke) in under 2 minutes and 30 seconds
- Tread water consistently for 3 minutes
- 10-yard swim underwater
* All modules must be completed successfully in order, on the same day, and are the minimum requirements to participate in the program.
* Swim Tests are completely free of charge.
* Participants are invited to attend multiple (official) Swim Test Tryouts in attempts to successfully PASS the swim exam.
Swim Test (Tryout):
- Swimsuit
- Towel
*Optional Items:
- *Goggles
- *Swim cap
Required Paperwork:
- (Physical) Physician’s Release Form (Required)
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).
- (Physical) Physician’s Release Forms are DUE BY THE FIRST DAY of the attended Session, 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) Physician’s Release Forms must be turned in as a PAPER HARD COPY (Digital physicals forms will not be accepted)
Junior Lifeguard Program Day:
- Uniform (provided)
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Running shoes
- Water
- A healthy snack (for 3 hour days)
- Sack lunch (for 6 hour days)
If space permits, Junior Lifeguards will be allowed to sign up for an additional Session or additional Classes.
Swim Test Registration will OPEN: Saturday, April 1, 2023 @8:00am
- Register for Swim Test Tryout ← (Search Activities for → “JR Guard Tryout”)
Program Session Registration will OPEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00am
- Register for a Session / Class
- (or Search Activities for → “Lake Lifeguard Program Session”)
Note:
- All sign-ups and registration is done online through the registration system on your family Active Net account.
- Remember, there is a limited number of spaces in each program.
- Online registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
- ‘ Eligible ’ participants will be able to register (online) when registration opens
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
It is a good idea to start practicing swimming before the swim test or returning to the program.
(Contact your local pools or YMCA’s in your area for lap swim, swim lessons and swim teams that are available.)
LA County Parks Parks & Recreation also offers multiple options for Aquatic classes and lessons:
- LA County Parks Aquatics
- (Information, Register for classes, courses, teams)
- Learn To Swim
- Novice Swim Teams
- Swim Teams
- Water Polo
- (introduction, intermediate, youth teams)
- Lifeguard Ready Training (LRT)
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
Typical Day of Junior Lifeguards
- Meet instructors at drop-off location
- Take roll / Apply Sunscreen
- Warm-up Stretch
- Water event (ex: buoy swim, paddle board, rescue cans)
- Take places / de-brief event
- Snack / re-hydrate / re-apply sunscreen
- Lake Lifeguard-related discussion
- Skills training
- Game (time permitting)
- Pack up / upcoming event reminder
- Release at pick-up location
*Junior Lifeguards are expected to complete a run and swim event each day. This requires them to swim head-down freestyle continuously with lifeguard supervision and to bring their own pair of running shoes to the program everyday.
Note:
- Active Net – is the online system used to sign-up for the Junior Lifeguard Program, along with other Los Angeles County Park activities.
- New families need to create a Family Account before beginning registration (which includes: Parent Account and Kid(s) Profile).
All New Families need to create a Family Account with Active Net and follow the steps below for Registration:
- Create a Parent Account
(used for managing participant registration and making payments) - Create a Kid(s) Profile
(used for program and activity sign-ups) - Sign-up for Swim Test Tryout
(all participants who did not attend / complete the previous year’s program, are required to pass a swim test tryout, before they will be qualified to register for the program) - Register for Program Session
(Sign-up for Program Sessions and Classes) - Sign-up for Uniform Handout (Pick-up Date)
(Pick-up uniform items, purchase extras, and EARLY turn in available for (Physical) Physician’s Release Form Paperwork)
Turn in (Physical) Physician’s Release Form
(Due by the first day (of the attended Session), to Junior Lifeguard Staff ONLY. Only a PAPER HARD COPY of this form will be accepted.)
Begin creating your Family Active Net Account here:
Need Help?
Step by Step Tutorial (Directions) – How to Create a Family Account on Active Net:
Swim Test Registration will OPEN: Saturday, April 1, 2023 @8:00am
- Sign-up for Swim Test Tryout
(or Search Activities for → “JR Guard Tryout”)
Program Session Registration will OPEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00am
- Register for Program Session
- Sign-up for Uniform Handout (Pick-up Date
- Download (Physical) Physician’s Release Form
Note:
- If you are returning to the program please use the same email address as before.
- (Make sure to log into your account before Registration – know your email and password.)
Returning Families, Log In to your Family Account with Active Net and follow the steps below for Registration:
- Log In to your Family Active Net Account
- (Family Account includes Parent and Kid(s) Profiles)
- Check Activity Grade
- (Check each child’s Activity Grade on your Family Active Net Account, prior to registration)
- Register for Program Session
- (Sign-up for Program Sessions and Classes)
- Sign-up for Uniform Handout (Pick-up Date)
- (Pick-up uniform items, purchase extras, and EARLY turn in available for (Physical) Physician’s Release Form Paperwork)
- Turn in (Physical) Physician’s Release Form
- (Due by the first day (of the attended Session), to Junior Lifeguard Staff ONLY. Only a PAPER HARD COPY of this form will be accepted.)
*(Tryouts ONLY for those who did not attend the previous summer’s program)
- *Sign-up for Swim Test Tryout
- (all participants who did not attend / complete the previous year’s program, are required to pass a swim test tryout, before they will be qualified to register for the program)
Already have a profile? Log in to update your information, manage participant registration and make a payment.
- Log In to My Family Account (on Active Net)
- How to Check Activity Grade
- Log on to your Family Active Net Account
- Go to your personal “My Account” homepage
- Scroll down to the box labeled, Other Service
- Click on >> “Activity / Program Graded List ”
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
Program Session Registration will OPEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023 @ 8:00am
- Register for Program Session
- Sign-up for Uniform Handout
- Download (Physical) Physician’s Release Form
*(Tryouts ONLY for those who did not attend the previous summer’s program)
Swim Test Registration will OPEN: Saturday, April 1, 2023 @8:00am
ABSENCE POLICY
Our absence policy states that participants are able to miss up to five (5) days of the program, WITHOUT needing to re-take the swim exam at one of our pool swim test tryouts 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.
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 send a parent/guardian note with your child prior to the absence. Otherwise, provide the note upon your child’s return to the program. Please do NOT e-mail absence notes to the office.
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.
ABSENCE DUE TO COVID-19
If a health screening indicates symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or if your child tests positive for COVID-19, the Junior Lifeguard Program will refer to its decision pathways to determine safest next steps, which if necessary, may include possible removal from the program.
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 send a note with them that includes specific instructions for their pick-up (i.e., exact pick-up time and location). Please park and ensure your child leaves safely by checking in with Junior Lifeguard Staff and sign-out your child accordingly before your departure.
*Please note that arriving late or leaving early DOES NOT count as an absence.
Financial Aid:
Scholarships will be available for the Summer 2023 Program Season.
Prospective applicants can apply here.
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.
Refund Policy beginning in 2023:
There are NO REFUNDS on any LA County Parks & Recreation activities or purchased items. All sales are FINAL.
Cadets are Junior Lifeguards that are being coached to become Lifeguards. They operate under the supervision of a Junior Lifeguard instructor. Cadets will be challenged to learn basic lifeguard skills, CPR, water safety, and rescue techniques.
Cadets are also expected to lead younger Junior Lifeguards in practical and physical skills. Cadet applicants must be 16 or 17 years old and must have completed at least two years in the Junior Lifeguard program; one year of which as an “A”.
Questions, email: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov
How to check your Profile Activity Grade:
- Log on to your Family Active Net Account
- Click on >> “My Account” (In 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 the 2022 Junior Lifeguard Program
- PASSED:
Have successfully passed the 3 module Swim Test at one of our 2023 LA County Parks & Rec Junior 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, please contact on of our lake offices:
Bonelli Park: (909) 599-8411
Santa Fe Dam: (626) 334-1065
Castaic Lake: (661) 775-8488
or email us: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov
Required Paperwork:
- (Physical) Physician’s Release Form (Required)
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).
- (Physical) Physician’s Release Forms are DUE BY THE FIRST DAY of the attended Session, 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.
Need a Physical Location?
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:
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]
How to change / edit contact info in my Family Active Net Account:
- 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
- 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
Questions, Program Information, Recruitment, etc.
- Contact the Junior Lifeguard Office:
Email: lake-juniorlifeguards@parks.lacounty.gov
Individual Lake Programs:
- Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
- Email: bonellijgs@parks.lacounty.gov
- Phone: 909-599-8411
- Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area
- Email: santafedamjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
- Phone: 626-334-1065
- Castaic Lake
- Email: Castaicjgs@parks.lacounty.gov
- Phone: 661-775-8488