Every summer the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation runs an excellent Junior Lifeguard program. Demand is high for the spaces available. Please review the parent brochure.

WHO: Boys and Girls - 6-16 years old (6-7 years old Seacliff Only!)
WHERE: Manresa, Seacliff and Twin Lakes State Beaches
WHY: Develop Ocean Safety! Learn about the local environment! Have fun!
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.
WHEN: All programs run Monday through Friday - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Seacliff competition
June 30th, 2010 - Little Guards
July 1st, 2010 - A, B, C's

*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 the Tryouts in May.

2010 Program Locations and Dates:

Manresa/Seacliff State Beaches:
Session I - June 7th - July 8th, 2010
Session II - July 12th - Aug 6th, 2010

Twin Lakes State Beach:
Session I - June 14th - July 15th, 2010
Session II - July 19th- Aug 13th, 2010

Program Fees*:

Costs for all Session I: $365.00, Session II: $330.00

*Fees subject to change

Payment: The Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program only accepts Cashier Checks or Money Orders . No other forms of payment will be accepted.
Tuition assistance is available upon request.
If you are interested in making a donation please contact us at (831) 476-4992.

Tryout Information

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 the Tryouts in May.

Each New Participant is required to demonstrate:

1. A continuous 100 yard swim 
2. Treading water 2-3 minutes
3. A 10 yard under water swim 

* 8 year olds are only required to swim 50 yards

New Participant Tryout Dates:

May 1, 2010 - 10:30-4:00 @ Simpkins Family Swim Center
May 22, 2010 - 10:30-2:30 @ Simpkins Family Swim Center
June 13, 2010 - 9:00-1:00 @ Simpkins Family Swim Center for Second Session only
NOTE: Classes fill up on a first come first serve basis.

Tryout Location:

Simpkins Family Swim Center at 979 17th Ave in Santa Cruz 95062 -- Click for map
*Simpkins Family Swim Center is not affilated with Santa Cruz State Junior Guards. Please do not contact them for further information. If you have questions please call the Junior Lifeguard Office @ (831) 476-4992 or email bcleland@parks.ca.gov

Youth Aid Program

If your Junior Guard is between the ages of 15-17 they should consider trying out to become a Junior Lifeguard Youth Aid. As a Youth Aid you work under the close supervision of the Junior Lifeguard Supervisor. This Uniformed position will work directly with the Lifeguard Staff in order to develop job skills; quality work habits and leadership qualities through work experience. Our Employment page has complete information. NOTE: Youth Aids must be 15 years of age by the hiring date: June 5, 2010.

Youth Aid/JG Tryouts:

April 17, 2010 - 8:00 am @ Seacliff State Beach

Youth Aide Mandatory Training Dates:

April 25, 2010 - 9:00-5:00PM @ LGHQ - CPR
May 2, 2010 - 9:00-5:00PM @ LGHQ - First Aid
May 15, 2010 - 9:00-5:00PM @ LGHQ - First Aid
May 30, 2010 - 9:00-5:00PM @ LGHQ - First Aid
June 5, 2010 - 9:00-5:00PM @ LGHQ - Youth Aid Hiring

Contact:

Bethany Cleland - Junior Lifeguard Coordinator
or call (831) 476-4992.