Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program

Junior Lifeguard Batalion Chief MSBC Omar Naranjo Years as a Lifeguard: 28 years Years overseeing JG Program: 8 Education: Garfield HS (E.L.A.), Cerritos College, Executive Leadership Program USC Price What is your favorite marine animal and why? Chinook salmon - can adapt to different environments and swim against the current to get the job done. What is a fun fact about yourself? Traveled with Red Bull Air Race for 5 years teaching pilots egress from submerged aircraft. Sgt. Gabriel Buso JG Coordinator Years as a Lifeguard: 9 years Years with JGs: 1st Education: A.A. in Kinesiology What is your favorite marine animal and why? Clownfish, because of Finding Nemo What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Aquarium of the Pacific Favorite Hobbies? Chess, water polo, and playing with my son Kylee Yocky Administrative Assistant Years with LBFD: 9 years Years with JGs: all 9 years! Education: B.A. from Cal State Fullerton What is your go-to dance move? Anything that embarrasses my children Which JG event are you most excited for? the Ironguard! Fun fact about yourself? I'm a mom of 3 that has never had a sip of coffee Years as Lifeguard: 8 years Years with JGs: 4! Education: B.S. in Sociology from UCLA Fun fact about yourself? I was a Long Beach Junior Lifeguard for 6 years! What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Schooner or Later Favorite hobbies? Body surfing and free diving Brooke Gruneisen JG Assistant Coordinator 2025 Instructor Team Edson Alvarado Cadet / A Group Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 7 years Years with JGs: 3 summers What event are you must excited for? Pier Jumps! What If you had a boat docked in Alamitos Bay, what would you name it? El Viaje Suave What is your favorite ocean movie? Surf's Up, Big Z is the undisputed ledgend What is your favorite tower in Long Beach? First place because it’s a two person tower and there’s a tone of action/rescues in that area because there is a massive crowd in the summer there. Ella Jorgensen A Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 6 summers Years with JGs: 4th summer! Your favorite Marine animal? A whale shark because I got to freedive with them in Baja, Mexico. They are one of the most beautiful and peaceful animals I have ever seen! Which JG event are you most excited for? Our Aquarium of the Pacific field trip! Favorite lifeguard tower on the beach? 55th because that is where the old station was when I was a JG. Jackson Prosser A / B Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: This is my 6th summer Years with JGs: 2nd summer What is your go-to beach snack after a long day in the sun? Poke & Rice What song would be on your beach day playlist? High Notes by NEIL FRANCES What If you could take your JG's on a field trip anywhere in the ocean, where would you go? The Philippines Which JG event are you most excited for? Regionals Garrett Quimby A / B Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 9 years Years with JGs: 3rd summer What event are you must excited for? Pier Jumps and Ironguard Explore a sunken ship or swim with dolhpins? I’ve already explored a sunken ship and swam with dolphins and both were incredible. I think I’d rather swim with dolphins though because sharing the environment with them is really fun. Eduardo Dominguez B Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: 1st summer! Favorite tower on the beach? Granada! One end of Rosie's dog beach! Which JG event are you most excited for? IJG Regionals! Favorite Beach Joke? How do you make a squid laugh? Ten-tickles! What is your go-to beach snack after a long day in the sun? Ice-cold watermelon with a side of tortilla chips Paige Jorgensen B Group Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: My first summer! What is your favorite sea creature? Hammerhead sharks! What is your favorite tower on the beach? 55th Place! This was where the JG Station was when I was a JG and where all of my favorite Long Beach memories are when I was growing up! Which JG event are you most excited for? Pier Jumps. This has been my favorite day of the summer since I was in the C group! Kelly McCormick B Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: 1st summer Which JG event are you most excited for? Ironguard to see everyone compete and try their hardest in this challenging event What song would be on your beach day playlist? Let it Happen by Tame Impala What is your favorite Marine animal? Leopard sharks because they are the puppies of the sea If you had a boat docked in Alamitos Bay, what would you name it? Fish and Ships Isabell Ortega B Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 5 years Years with JGs: 2nd summer What song would be on your beach day playlist? Paradise by Coldplay What is your favorite Marine Animal? Bat Rays Which JG event are you most excited for? Pier Jumps! I get to jump off the pier with my familiy! Isaac Zabukovec B Group Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: 1st summer What event are you most excited for? The Ironguard! Favorite sea creature? Orcas! They work in teams, take care of their young, and I loved the movie “Free Willy” as a kid. Best place to catch a sunset? Alamitos Bay on a boat Favorite ocean movie or character? David Hasselhoff from the SpongeBob Movie Eric Estrada C Group Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 4 years Years with JGs: 2nd summer What event are you looking forward to the most? Lagoon run, so we can see the moon jellies! Favorite sea creature? All types of jellyfish, they have no brains! If you could take the JGs on field trip any where in the ocean, where would you go? The Krusty Krab to get Krabby Pattys Favorite ocean character? Spongebob and Patrick Brittany Mendoza C Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: 1st summer as an instructor, but I was a JG and Cadet! Which JG event are you most excited for? Pier Jumps Favorite ocean movie? Luca What is your favorite sea creature? Sea Turtles, because they are based on patience, protection and wisdom. Your What is your go to beach snack? Strawberries and grapes Vanessa Newton C Group Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 3 summers Years with JGs: 1st summer! What event are you most excited far? Regionals, because I love competitions. What's your go to beach snack? Watermelon! Sunrises or Sunsets? Sunset; favorite memory was sunset surfing in Mexico during Spring break What song would be on your beach day playlist? Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears Brooke Ortega C Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 4 years Years with JGs: 2 years What event are you must excited for? Pier Jumps Favorite ocean movie? The Little Mermaid Would you rather explore a sunken ship or swim with dolphins? Explore a sunken ship Favorite beach pun? Seas the day Nico Song C Group Instructor Years as Lifeguard: 3 years Years with JGs: 1st summer! Which JG event are you excited for? the Ironguard because my JGs are gonna crush it! Favorite marine animal? Bat Rays What is your go to beach snack? watermelon What is your favorite ocean movie? Sharknado 2

< Back Sabrina Zavala Junior Lifeguard Assistant Coordinator This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site.

EVENTS WELCOME PICNIC This is a fun event for new (and returning) JG Families to come and meet the JG Team before the program starts. Stay awhile and picnic in the park, or just stop by and say hi! The JG Team will be answering questions about the summer program, selling JG LIFE apparel, and setting up some fun games for the JGs! Picnic location and details will be sent out to the JG families via email. FIRST DAY of JGs! It’s the day we’ve all been looking forward to! JGs are dropped off at Claremont & Ocean, and run down to be greeted by their instructors at JG Headquarters! JG Team members will have a booth set up near the drop off location, ready to answer any questions! Make sure your JG brings sunscreen, a towel, snacks, water, and a bag to carry everyday! ROGER COULTER RELAY To honor the legacy of Long Beach Lifeguard legend, Roger Coulter, this Intercrew Relay is held as a kickoff summer event that showcases the physical abilities of Long Beach lifeguards and JG Cadets. While this event is only for our Lifeguard and Cadet competitors, everyone is encouraged to come and cheer on each team! LBJG Classic This day is full of friendly competition for everyone! Each JG will compete in at least 3 events. Run-offs will be an all day event (10AM-3PM) and all JGs are encouraged to participate! Instructors use the run-offs results to determine who qualifies for the LBJG Regionals Competition Team! The Regionals Competition is an event that takes place each summer with other Junior Guards from up and down the coast. Swim Long Beach This event is one of the JG program's FUNdraising tools! JGs have exactly one hour to swim as many buoys as they can! Parents are welcome to cheer on participants from the sand. Make sure to complete your Buoy - A - Thon pledge sheet with names of those willing to donate and turn it in to your instructor before the deadline! Swim LB Page Catalina Trip The Catalina Trip is a yearly favorite of the A group and Cadets. The groups will be taken over to Two Harbors in Catalina on the Catalina Express. JGs will spend the day free-diving, snorkeling, and exploring. JG’s should bring lunch and some snacks for the day. This is a full day event (6AM-5PM) and more details will be provided as we get closer to the scheduled date. Pier Jump Fundraiser The Pier Jump Fundraiser is one of the biggest JG events of the summer! ALL JGs will have the opportunity to make the jump, but JG family members, siblings, and friends (over the age of 18) can donate to jump off Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier WITH their JG! There are 3 separate donation tiers available: $25: 1 jump with your JG! $50: 1 jump with your JG, & 2 Pier Jump shirts! $100: 1 jump with your JG, 2 Pier Jump shirts, & photo/video footage of the jump! Pier Jump Page Ironguard The final week of the program is marked by this challenging event! JGs and their supporters gather at 1st Place and race all the way to the end of the sand at 72nd Place. The course consists of 4 miles of running and 2 miles of swimming. Participants swim around 14 buoys plus all the way around the pier and run the distances between. Participants who complete the race in under 2 hours receive an event hat. A perpetual trophy for the boys & girls top finishers of the A, B and C divisions respectively was created in 2009. Ironguard Page

Aquarium Field Trip Address 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Hours 9:00 PM - 12:00PM Morning Session 1:00PM - 4:00PM Afternoon Session What to Bring All JGs MUST wear their JG uniform on Aquarium Day. This includes the red shirt and blue trunks. We ask that all JGs arrive with just their uniform and NO backpacks. There will be no place to store backpacks as we tour the Aquarium and chaperones will not be responsible for JG items. JGs are allowed to bring water bottles and jackets, but it is the JGs responsibility to carry and keep track of those items throughout the 3 hours. Groups will not be buying food or stopping by the souvenir shop so money is not necessary. Drop off / Pick Up Drop-off and pick-up will be at the round-a-bout at the front of the Aquarium. For the best traffic management, drivers will need to use Golden Shore to approach from the back. To do so, you can follow these steps: Head SOUTH on Magnolia Ave Continue onto Queens Way Use the RIGHT LANE to take Golden Shore ramp to Catalina Landing Turn LEFT onto Golden Shore Turn RIGHT to stay on Golden Shore Enter the Traffic Circle WHERE TO GO After drop off, your JG will meet their instructor at the grass to the north of the Aquarium entrance. Picture for reference is below. WHAT TO EXPECT Instructors will be splitting their groups into groups of 10 before entering the Aquarium. Each group of 10 will be lead by a chaperone. It is imperative that all JGs arrive ON TIME so they can be grouped together with their chaperone. All JGs will start the day with a presentation from the Aquarium. After the brief presentation, they will tour the Aquarium in their chaperone groups. Touring the Aquarium is an amazing opportunity for the JG program! We ask that you please talk to your JGs about being good guests during the field trip.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Click on the image below to view the email announcement.

BEACH DAY New junior guards are invited to join us for an introduction to JGs! The goal of Beach Day is to give new JGs the opportunity to get comfortable swimming on the oceanfront prior to the first day of the summer program. DETAILS JGs will be in small groups of up to 10, assigned the day of the event All groups will check in across the bike path at 5400 E Ocean Blvd Groups will be assigned at check-in Instructors will walk groups across the street to Bayshore Beach where they will practice safe water entries/exits Once everyone feels comfortable, instructors will move groups to the oceanfront Additional instructors will be on the beach for support Parents are welcome to observe activities on the oceanfront but are asked not to interrupt instruction time *Registration is capped at 50 participants per session. Link coming soon! WHEN & WHERE Session 1: Date: Saturday, June 6th Time: 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM Session 2: Date: Saturday, June 6th Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Please DO NOT RSVP for both sessions to leave space for other JGs to participate

CADET INTERNS Junior Lifeguard Cadet Intern positions have been made available through a partnership with the Long Beach Unified School District. This opportunity is available for Long Beach Unified School District high school students who have completed at least one year of the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Cadet Program. Interns will have opportunities to learn more about careers in public safety, work in a professional environment, and develop a better understanding of the operations of the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Program. Job Details Assist JG Team with administrative work out of Fire Headquarters and JG office Assist Junior Lifeguard Instructors during JG Prep Classes throughout the spring Opportunities to learn about different facets of Marine Safety (ie. Rescue Boat tours, station tours, dispatch shadowing) Participate in weekly physical conditioning Use the knowledge gathered from the internship to complete a group project Application Requirements Applicant must be a student of LBUSD Applicant must have completed one summer of the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Cadet Program Interested Cadets must email their Resume and Letter of Interest to LBJG@longbeach.gov , addressed to Sergeant Farnell APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN FALL 2025 2024 Cadet Interns Elizabeth Aydin I am a sophomore at Millikan High School and I am part of the compass pathway. I'm also on the swim and water polo team at Millikan and I have been part of the JG program for 1 year. I am looking forward to learning more about helping my community and getting involved in new things I would have never before. One of my most recent accomplishments was getting a 5 on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. 2024 Cadet Intern What is your favorite place in Long Beach? El Dorado Park What is your hidden talent? I can walk on my hands If you could introduce a new sport in the Olympics, what would it be? Hide and seek in the dark Niko Ponce I am currently a sophomore at Millikan High School and am a part of the water polo and swim team. I was a JG for 5 years and currently working towards doing my 6th year as a Cadet. I am most looking forward to learning about the different skills, techniques, and characteristics that make a good lifeguard. One of my recent accomplishments was being moved up to play CIF varsity for water polo as a sophomore this past season. 2024 Cadet Intern What is your hidden talent? I know how to play the guitar Who is someone you admire? My parents and my grandpa If you could do a lifeguard exchange anywhere in the world, where would you go? Hawai’i Paul Sullivan I am a sophomore at Millikan. I have played water polo and swam for two years at Millikan. On top of my physical training, I maintain a 4.0 GPA and frequently attend the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club, Law Club, and Childhood Cancer Club. I have been a Long Beach JG for 3 years and I look forward to completing my 4th as a Cadet. One of my most recent accomplishments is participating in a Criminal Mock Trial as a PEACE student at Millikan High School. 2024 Cadet Intern Julia Gisel I am a Junior at Saint Joseph High School and I am apart of of the swim and Water Polo teams, I am also apart of ASB (Student Government) and theatre. I have been apart of the Junior Lifeguard program for 2 years, with one year as a Cadet and I am really excited to continue with this amazing program. One of my most recent accomplishments is ending my last semester with a 4.4 grade point average. 2024 Cadet Intern What is your hidden talent? Crocheting and sewing. If you could add one sport to the Olympics what would it be? Ski Ballet. What is your Favorite place in Long Beach? Bixby Knolls . Sofia Castro I am a junior at Saint Joseph High School and currently do swim and water polo. I have been a part of the Junior Lifeguard program for 6 years, as well as one year in the JG Cadet Program. I am most looking forward to gaining experience on how to best support my community and gaining knowledge on how to be the best lifeguard I can possibly be. I have a passion for serving my community and uplifting others. One of my most recent accomplishments is earning a 4.2 GPA. 2024 Cadet Intern 1. What is your hidden talent? I can make cool jewelry. 2. Who is someone you admire? I admire my friend Julia and my mom. 3. If you could introduce a new sport in the Olympics, what would it be? I would introduce laser tag to the Olympics. Gary Romero Bio coming soon! 2024 Cadet Intern

SWIM LONG BEACH Swim Long Beach is a buoy-a-thon where JGs will be given exactly one hour to swim as many buoys as they can. The goal is to swim the same distance as the perimeter of Long Beach! That's 82 miles! Not only is it a physically challenging event, but it is also an easy way for JGs to contribute to the overall well being of the program itself. Click here for a sponsorship form! TBA Details Each session will have 2 heats. Heat schedules will be posted during the summer. C groups are in the bay at Leeway. A and B groups are on the oceanfront! Date: Time: Location: Prizes The overall top 3 fundraisers win a prize bag & they get to pie their instructor! The JG in each age group that swims the most amount of buoys will get to pie their instructor The JG in each age group that raises the most amount of money will also get to pie to pier their instructor

CONTACT US Questions? Be sure to check out our FAQ page! FAQs You can also send an email using the form below. Send Success! Message received. Email is the best way to contact us. We are not always in the office. EMAIL ADDRESS LBJG@longbeach.gov OFFICE PHONE (562)536-7807 JG STATION 5374 E. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA MAILING ADDRESS 3205 Lakewood Blvd Long Beach, CA

CADET PROGRAM Tryout: April 26th Cadets are junior lifeguards ages 15-17 who demonstrate leadership, strong physical abilities, and are interested in becoming Long Beach lifeguards or pursuing another career in public service. Cadets receive higher levels of training in first aid and rescue techniques, shadow Long Beach lifeguards, and assist instructors as needed. The goal of the Cadet Program is to foster leadership skills while preparing individuals for future careers as lifeguards or other forms of public service. The Cadet program is extremely physically demanding, with high expectations for all participants. Prospective cadets are expected to complete the 1000m distance swim in approximately 20 minutes and the run-swim-run in approximately 10 minutes, depending on tryout conditions. To ensure we provide high-quality training and maintain a focus on professional development, we will be capping the program at a maximum of 15 cadets. This limit will allow us to maintain a high standard of instruction and ensure that every cadet can meet the physical demands of the program. LBUSD students with at least one year of cadet experience are eligible to apply for the LBUSD Cadet Internship program. LBJG Core Values Cadet Memo Cadet Skill Sheets Cadet Interns Cadet Tryouts Sign Up Requirements Be at least 15 years old by July 1st, 2026 Submit a resume Attend a physical tryout and formal interview Complete 1000m open water swim in approximately 20 minutes Complete run-swim-run in approximately 10 minutes No prior training or Junior Guard experience is required Tryouts Date: April 26th Time: 8:30 AM Location: Bayshore Lifeguard Station (5415 E. Ocean Blvd) Interviews will take place on the same day at Tryouts at Junior Lifeguard Headquarters (5374 E Ocean Blvd) Tryout Details Candidates must complete both events within a certain time frame in order to be eligible for the interview process. Distance swim in approximately 20 minutes Run-swim-run in approximately 10 minutes Check-in - 8:30 AM Briefing - 8:50 AM 1,000 yard swim - 9:00 AM Run-Swim-Run - 9:45 AM Debrief - 10:15 AM Interviews - 11 AM - 3:00 PM What to bring Picture ID (student ID works fine) Resume Swimsuit, cap, goggles, towel (arrive ready to swim) Snack/water for between events Change of clothes for Interview 2026 CADET PROGRAM CALENDAR (tbd) Any questions regarding the Cadet Program, please email LBJG@longbeach.gov