Question 1

What steps should I take to become a JG?

Question 2

What is the cost of the program?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the 2026 Program is $606 per junior lifeguard. Scholarships are available through Long Beach Unified School District to those who qualify. Please contact us at LBJG@longbeach.gov for more information.

Question 3

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer full and partial scholarships based on household income. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship please email LBJG@longbeach.gov.

Question 4

What is the program's refund policy?

Accepted Answer

We issue full refunds of $596 (there is a $10 non-refundable processing fee), but we do not issue refunds for the AAU insurance. The last day to request a refund is Friday, June 26th (Friday of the first week of the summer program). You can send an email to LBJG@longbeach.gov and we will reach out to Parks & Rec to issue the refund. The refund will be credited to the card used to pay for the program.

Question 5

When are the registration deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Summer 2026 registration deadlines are TBA.

There are three separate registration deadlines. Please see below for tentative dates:
April 17th: Priority Registration (JGs that participated in 2025)
April 26th: Morning Lottery Registration
May 24th: Last Chance Registration

Question 6

What is the difference between Priority registration and Lottery registration?

Accepted Answer

Due to the high demand for our morning session, we have a strict policy for the selection of the morning group through Priority Registration and Lottery Registration.

Priority Registration: RETURNING Junior Lifeguards are given priority for the selection of their preferred session but MUST submit registration packets by the designated registration deadline.

Lottery Registration: All other junior lifeguards (including returning JGs that have NOT submitted registration by the priority deadline) who would like to be in the morning session will be placed in a lottery to determine which session they will be in. To be placed in the morning lottery, registration packets must be submitted by the Lottery Deadline. Families will be notified of their session placement via email.

Question 7

I have one child who is a returning JG and one child who will be new to the program this year, do both of my children qualify for priority registration?

Accepted Answer

No. Only your returning JG qualifies for priority registration and ONLY if their registration packet is submitted by the priority registration deadline. Your child who will be participating for the first time this year will be entered into the lottery for session preference.

Question 8

Are uniforms included in the program cost?

Accepted Answer

The program fee includes one t-shirt and one pair of swim trunks. If you would like to purchase additional uniform items you will need to pay for those separately. We highly recommend purchasing additional uniform items before the summer program. The link to our online store will be available before the 2026 summer program begins.

Question 9

My child is young/old for their grade and we would like to move them down/up to a different age group (age group change request). Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Returning JGs can request to move up/down a group pending approval from the JG Coordinator. If your JG is requesting to move age groups in the morning session, you must request the switch BEFORE the priority registration deadline. For new JGs, you are encouraged to remain in your true age group.

Question 10

For female junior guards what type of suit do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a well-fitted, competitive style, one or two-piece swimsuit. Solid navy blue in color is highly preferred. Any brand is acceptable, however the suit must be full coverage. Our paid lifeguards are issued JOLYN suits. On a two-piece, it's best if the bottoms have a drawstring. For tops and one-pieces, both fixed and tie-back are permitted. If purchasing from JOLYN: 
Recommended bottoms include, but are not limited to: Andy, Ally, or Bali. 
Recommended tops include, but are not limited to: Ryan, Tomcat and Heidi. 
Recommended one-pieces include, but are not limited to: Chevy, Brandon, and Jackson. 
​

Question 11

Our family is planning a trip during the program. Can my child still participate in Junior Lifeguards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the program does not have a strict attendance policy. All absences must be submitted via the "ABSENCES" page of the JG website. We do not accept excused absence notifications through email or phone call.

Question 12

What is the Ironguard?

Accepted Answer

The Ironguard is a 4 mile run and 2 mile swim that covers the entire Long Beach oceanfront. It starts at 1st Place and goes all the way to 72nd Place. Participants run the beach and swim almost every buoy, as well as the pier. Our goal is for every Junior Lifeguard to finish the Ironguard, but to complete it in under 2 hours is considered to be the ultimate JG accomplishment.

Question 13

Does my child need to attend a tryout?

Accepted Answer

YES, if.....
They did not participate in Summer 2025 (regardless if they have participated in summers prior)

NO, if...
They participated in the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Program in 2025

Question 14

My child passed the swim test and participated in the Junior Lifeguard Program last summer, do they need to tryout again to participate this summer?

Accepted Answer

No, if your child passed the swim test and participated in the program in 2025 they DO NOT need to tryout again. When summer registration opens, you're able to register them without having to attend a tryout. However, if your child has not participated in the program before or took a year off of the program (e.g., due to traveling, injury, etc.) they will need to tryout again in order to register.

Question 15

Can my child tryout again if he/she does not make it on his/her first try?

Accepted Answer

YES! We allow 3 attempts at each tryout, but even if you don't make it after 3, you are more than welcome to attend the next scheduled tryout! Our instructors are happy to provide coaching on ways to improve.

Question 16

What are the tryout requirements?

Accepted Answer

Prospective JGs must swim 100 yards (4 laps in a standard sized pool) in under 2 minutes. If the pool is 25 METERS, the time standard is 100 METERS in under 2 minutes and 13.2 seconds. You must pass the swim test BEFORE registering for the program.

Question 17

How do we get back to the start once the event is over?

Accepted Answer

The JG program does not provide transportation between the finish and the start. If you want to run the course with your child, one option is to find a friend in the program and drop one car off at 72nd Pl and leave one at the start. Or, you can get your child checked in at the start then drive to the pier or finish area to cheer them on!

Question 18

Where is the start line?

Accepted Answer

The Start line is at the 1st Place Lifeguard Tower located south of the Alamitos Beach Parking Lot (380 E Shoreline Dr. 90803). We will have separate start funnels and first buoys for A's, B's, and C's. The C's will be closest to the rocks on the west side, B's will be in the middle, and A's on the east side. Each funnel will be marked with the corresponding age group. If parents are planning to do the event with their JG, we ask that they skip the first buoy.

Question 19

Is there gear transport from the start to the finish?

Accepted Answer

The JG team is all hands-on-deck for coordinating this event and we are unable to offer gear transport from the start to the finish. If your JG has a backpack or other gear - you are responsible for getting it down to 72nd Place! Please be sure to coordinate this ahead of time.

Question 20

Are there any water stations along the event route?

Accepted Answer

There will be water stations at Beach Operations, the east side of the Pier, and the JG station. The water stations are for JGs only! Please do not fill your water bottle at the JG water stations.

Question 21

How will my JG get their Ironguard time?

Accepted Answer

Be sure your child is listening for their time as they cross the finish line. After they cross the finish line there will be tables for each age group where they report their time.

Question 22

Can I participate with my Junior Lifeguard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parents are welcome to run alongside their junior lifeguards! If you do decide to participate, please be sure to stay out-of-the-way of other JG competitors.

Question 23

Can I run alongside my JG to cheer them on during the event?

Accepted Answer

Many seasoned parents or other supporters will run the course with their child (don't worry you get to rest while they swim). If you do so, it helps to have water, as well as mints or small candies for your child, as the salt water can dry out their mouths.

Most importantly: this event is hosted for our junior lifeguards. Be sure to leave space on the hard pack sand for our competitors to run past you.

Question 24

Are their any prizes for the Ironguard?

Accepted Answer

The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will receive a medal at our annual Awards Ceremony. Those individuals will also have their names added to our perpetual top 3 trophy that was created in 2009.

All participants that finish the event under 2 hours will receive an event hat.

Question 25

Any recommendations to prepare my JG for the Ironguard?

Accepted Answer

Our JG instructors spend the whole summer preparing the JGs for this challenging endurance event. Below are a couple of helpful tips for race day:
-Applying Vasoline or Aquaphor on your child will help prevent chaffing
-Apply sunscreen prior to arriving on the beach
-Be sure your JG eats a nutritious breakfast

Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program

Frequently asked questions

What steps should I take to become a JG?

What is the cost of the program?

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

What is the program's refund policy?

When are the registration deadlines?

What is the difference between Priority registration and Lottery registration?

I have one child who is a returning JG and one child who will be new to the program this year, do both of my children qualify for priority registration?

Are uniforms included in the program cost?

My child is young/old for their grade and we would like to move them down/up to a different age group (age group change request). Is this possible?

For female junior guards what type of suit do you recommend?

Our family is planning a trip during the program. Can my child still participate in Junior Lifeguards?

What is the Ironguard?

Does my child need to attend a tryout?

My child passed the swim test and participated in the Junior Lifeguard Program last summer, do they need to tryout again to participate this summer?

Can my child tryout again if he/she does not make it on his/her first try?

What are the tryout requirements?

How do we get back to the start once the event is over?

Where is the start line?

Is there gear transport from the start to the finish?

Are there any water stations along the event route?

How will my JG get their Ironguard time?

Can I participate with my Junior Lifeguard?

Can I run alongside my JG to cheer them on during the event?

Are their any prizes for the Ironguard?

Any recommendations to prepare my JG for the Ironguard?

Long Beach Fire Department Junior Lifeguard Program

Frequently asked questions

What steps should I take to become a JG?

What is the cost of the program?

Are there scholarship opportunities available?

What is the program's refund policy?

When are the registration deadlines?

What is the difference between Priority registration and Lottery registration?

I have one child who is a returning JG and one child who will be new to the program this year, do both of my children qualify for priority registration?

Are uniforms included in the program cost?

My child is young/old for their grade and we would like to move them down/up to a different age group (age group change request). Is this possible?

For female junior guards what type of suit do you recommend?

Our family is planning a trip during the program. Can my child still participate in Junior Lifeguards?

What is the Ironguard?

Does my child need to attend a tryout?

My child passed the swim test and participated in the Junior Lifeguard Program last summer, do they need to tryout again to participate this summer?

Can my child tryout again if he/she does not make it on his/her first try?

What are the tryout requirements?

How do we get back to the start once the event is over?

Where is the start line?

Is there gear transport from the start to the finish?

Are there any water stations along the event route?

How will my JG get their Ironguard time?

Can I participate with my Junior Lifeguard?

Can I run alongside my JG to cheer them on during the event?

Are their any prizes for the Ironguard?

Any recommendations to prepare my JG for the Ironguard?

Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program