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.
- 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
• 120 East Via Verde Drive, San Dimas, CA, 91773
• Phone: 909-599-8411
• Email: bonellijgs@parks.lacounty.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question to expand for full answer
Summer 2023 Program Dates:
Participants can choose between:
Session 1: June 13 – June 30, 2023 (Monday-Thursday)
- AM Class – 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- PM Class – 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: July 10 – July 27, 2023 (Monday-Thursday)
- AM Class – 8:30 AM – 11:30 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.
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 2023 Swim Test Dates are 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)
- 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)
- 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)(*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 Release Form (Required)
(Link to Download Physical 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).
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.
Online Registration for the 2023 Junior Lifeguard Program will OPEN to the public at 8:00AM on May 6, 2023.
Note:
- 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 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
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.
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. – ( Link coming soon )
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.
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
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)
- Find the column, Account Activity
- Click on >> “Activity Grades List”
(A list of Activities that your Family Account has signed up for will be displayed)
Participant 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