Junior Lifeguard Program Information
The Junior Lifeguard program is a unique and challenging aquatic program for young people. Goals of the JG program are to promote water safety and environmental awareness.
WHO: 6-15 years old (6-8 years old only at Rio Del Mar)
WHERE: Manresa, Rio Del Mar, and Twin Lakes State Beaches
WHEN: Each three week session runs Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHY: Develop Ocean Safety Skills! Learn about the local environment! Have fun!
Age Groups: Your age is determined by the age you are the first day of your chosen session.
Little guards: 6-8yrs (Rio Del Mar only) C’s: 9-11 yrs ~ B’s: 12-13 yrs ~ A’s: 14-15 yrs
*If you are a new Junior Lifeguard participant (i.e. have never participated in the Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program) you are REQUIRED to attend a tryout date.
In our program, your child will:
LEARN ALL ABOUT THE OCEAN: Safety, Ocean & Beach Hazards, Rip Currents, Waves & Tides, Beach Ecology & Marine Life
TRAIN IN: Surf & Ocean Rescue, First Aid & CPR
ENGAGE IN FUN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS: Surfing & Boogie Boarding, Stand up paddle boarding, Body Surfing, Beach/Water Flags & Relay Races, Beach & Ocean Games
EXERCISE: Beach Running, Ocean Swimming, Paddle Board Races, Push ups & Sit ups, Stretching & Calisthenics, Beach Specific Information
Manresa State Beach ~ 1445 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, (Below the parking lot)
Unique to Manresa: Large open Beach, Smaller program with more instructor to participant interaction, Larger variety of rip currents and ocean conditions, Exposure and experience with larger surf condition
Rio Del Mar State Beach: 527 Beach Dr, Aptos, (Next to the parking lot)
Unique to Rio Del Mar: Only program with Little Guard (6-8 year old program), which is a great way to get younger children more comfortable with the ocean, Calmer ocean conditions and smaller surf
Twin Lakes: Location: 180 14th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(Blacks Beach, At the end of 14th Ave)
Unique to Twin Lakes: Smaller beach with dynamic beach and ocean conditions, Larger surf and more experience with rip currents
