Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program
The JG Prep Class is an opportunity for new JGs to improve their swimming stroke and speed. The goal is to swim 100 yards in under two minutes (or 100 meters in under 2:13.2). If a student successfully passes the tryout during a prep class, they will be eligible to register for the JG summer program.
This class is NOT MANDATORY for summer registration. It is an opportunity for prospective JGs who aren't already in regular swim practices to practice their skills.
Prep Class helps prospective Junior Guards improve their swimming technique and speed. At the start of each session, all new and returning participants must demonstrate the ability to swim one full lap without touching the bottom, lane lines, or receiving any assistance.
To be eligible for participation in the Prep Class, your child must have NOT participated in the LBJG program in the past AND meet the age requirements for the 2026 JG program (ages 9-17 as of July 1st, 2026)
Silverado Prep Class
Registration: 6 blocks will be offered. Separate registration is required for each block​​​
​​​TIMES: Each block will offer 2 class times. Students can only participate in 1 class time per block. Parents can't register their child for both class times.​
DAYS: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Session 1: 5pm-6pm​
Session 2: 6pm-7pm
​LOCATION: Silverado Park Swimming Pool
1540 W 32nd St, Long Beach CA 90810
COST: All prep classes are FREE! Registration is still required for staffing purposes​
INSTRUCTORS: Long Beach Lifeguards! Check out our team bios here.
Block 1
January 13th -January 29th
Registration opens:
Monday, December 1st 2025
Block 2
February 3rd - February 19th
Registration opens:
Monday, December 1st 2025
Block 3
February 24th - March 12th
Registration opens:
Tuesday, February 3rd
Block 4
March 17th - April 2nd
Registration opens:
Tuesday, February 24th
Block 5
April 7th - April 23rd
Registration opens:
Tuesday, March 17th
Block 6
April 28th - May 14th
Registration opens:
Tuesday, April 7th
Poly Prep Class
Registration: Registration opens on January 5th.​​​
​​​TIMES: There will only be one class at the additional pools.​
Dates: February 2nd - May 13th
DAYS: Mondays and Wednesdays
Session 1: 5pm-6pm​
​LOCATION: Long Beach Polytechnic High School
1600 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach CA 90813
COST: All prep classes are FREE! Registration is still required for staffing purposes​
INSTRUCTORS: Long Beach Lifeguards! Check out our team bios here.
Millikan Prep Class
Registration: Registration opens on January 5th.​​​
​​​TIMES: There will only be one class at the additional pools.​
Dates: February 3rd - May 14th
DAYS: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Session 1: 5pm-6pm​
​LOCATION: Millikan High School
2800 Snowden Ave, Long Beach CA 90815
COST: All prep classes are FREE! Registration is still required for staffing purposes​
INSTRUCTORS: Long Beach Lifeguards! Check out our team bios here.
Waitlist
​A waitlist will be established through the online registration system once the class is full. Families will be notified when they are being moved off the waitlist and into the class via email.
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Even if the class is displayed as "Full", we recommend adding your student to the waitlist. Students are regularly moved off the waitlist and into the class due to participants passing the swim test.
What to Bring
A towel, goggles, swim cap, and swim suit. Please have your child already in their swim suit, or use the locker room facilities to change. There is no changing allowed on the pool deck.
Who to look for
A Lead JG Instructor will be onsite at every prep class, please be sure to check in with this Lead JG Instructor at the beginning of each class.
Absences
To remain enrolled, you must have zero unexcused absences, and no more than three excused absences. Please complete the Prep Class Excused Absence form for any planned absences.
Prep Class Instructors
Ever since its introduction in 2018, Prep Class instructors have helped hundreds of participants gain confidence in the water and improve their swimming skills. We are grateful to have these experienced instructors on the deck coaching future junior guards!
Edson A.
Silverado Lead Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 8th summer!
Years as a prep class instructor: 5 years
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned to swim in 1st grade!
What is your favorite marine animal? My favorite marine animal is a marlin.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? My favorite place is Shoreline or the West Beach Wibit.
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Snowboarding!
Ian M.
Poly / Millikan Lead Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 8th summer!
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st
When did you first learn how to swim? I first learned to swim very young, at five months old!
What is your favorite marine animal? My favorite marine animal is an elephant seal.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Colorado Lagoon
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Bobsled!
Isabell O.
Silverado / Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 6 years as a lifeguard
Years as a prep class instructor: 2nd year
When did you first learn how to swim?
I first learned at 7 years old.
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo?
I was inspired to swim after watching Ariel and H2O Mermaids. I wanted to swim under the water like them. Then I eventually fell in love with the sport and competing so I stuck with it.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Republic of Pie
Gabe C.
Silverado / Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: This will be my 5th summer
Years as a prep class instructor: 2nd!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim when I was 8 years old
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My uncle inspired me to swim because he was a lifeguard when I learned how to swim and I spent most of my summers with him at the pool.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Costco
Marley I.
Silverado / Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: I am a first year Ocean Lifeguard
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? When I was a baby!
What is your favorite marine animal? Beluga whale
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Aquarium and Bayshore!
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Bobsledding or snowboarding
Joan G.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 1st!
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim when I was 14, in my freshman year of high school.
What is your favorite marine animal? Swordfish or manta ray!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Colorado Lagoon or the Hanger
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Snowboarding!
Brooke O.
Silverado / Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 5
Years as a prep class instructor: 2nd!
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My parents inspired me to be a great swimmer.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Republic of Pie
Daniel C.
Silverado / Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 4
Years as a prep class instructor: 2nd!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim at the age of 4
What is your favorite marine animal? Great White Shark
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Little Coyote
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Snowboarding
Valeria G.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 5
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned to swim when I was 5 years old!
What is your favorite marine animal? My favorite marine animal is a dolphin!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Shoreline Village
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Speed skiing!
Eric E.
Millikan Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 5
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I first learned to swim at Don Krabe Regional local pool when I was 8 years old!
What is your favorite marine animal? Jellyfish!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? West Beach Wibit
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Curling
Cooper D.
Millikan Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 1st!
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim at the age of 4
What is your favorite marine animal? Yellowtail fish
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Aquarium of the Pacific
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Ski Jumping
Jessie R.
Millikan Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 1st
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim when I was 3 years old.
What is your favorite marine animal? Turtles!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Second St.
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Bobsledding!
Gage G.
Poly Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 2
Years as a prep class instructor: This will be my fist year!
When did you first learn to swim?
I was around 5 or 6 when I first started learning.
What is your favorite marine animal?? I love sharks! Big or small they are the coolest in the ocean!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? My favorite place in Long Beach is Bayshore.
If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? Hockey!