Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program

< Back Kylee Yock Administrative Assistant 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.

REGISTRATION REGISTRATION New Junior Guards are required to pass a swim test before they can register for the program. JGs who took a year off are not considered returning and must re-test. If your child participated in summer 2025, they are not required to try out. For more information about tryouts, visit the " TRYOUTS " page. Registration Deadlines Feb 2 JG Program Registration Opens Apr 17 Priority Registration Deadline Apr 26 Lottery Registration Deadline May 24 FINAL Registration Deadline Scholarships To be eligible for financial assistance consideration, your child must be a current student enrolled in a Long Beach Unified School District school. Scholarship awards are based on annual household income. The scholarship application is 1-page and applicants are asked to provide us additional documentation to show their annual income. Families should fill out an application for each child they wish to have participate. If you are applying for a scholarship, you will be allowed to register for the program without paying the fee.  Once scholarship awards are announced, you will be required to pay the balance if you did not receive a full scholarship.  SCHOLARSHIP APP Priority Registration Returning Junior Lifeguards (those that participated in Summer 2025) are given priority for the selection of their preferred session but they MUST submit registration packets by the designated registration deadline. Lottery Registration All other JGs requesting 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. For more information check out the Lottery Policy below. Lottery Policy How to Register Registration takes place online with our partners LB Parks & Recreation. JGs interested in the Cadet Program are required to pass the Cadet Tryout before registering. How to Register Lottery Policy Registration must be submitted by the Lottery Deadline in order to be considered for the morning lottery Any returning JGs requesting the morning session that register AFTER the Priority Deadline will be placed in the morning lottery. For families who have multiple children in the lottery pool, the family will be entered in as one (1) lottery name rather than separate name entries for each individual child. For example, the Smith Family has 2 children who will be participating in the JG program for the first time. One child is in the B group and the other is in the C group. Both children will be placed in the lottery pool as one entry (i.e. Smith Family). If the Smith Family is chosen for the morning session then both children will be placed in morning session groups despite being in two different age groups. If the Smith Family does not get selected for the morning session, both children will be placed in afternoon groups For families with one returning JG and one new JG, only the returning JG will be considered for priority registration. The new JG will be entered into the lottery for session placement. In the event that two siblings are placed in separate sessions, the returning JG has the option to move to the afternoon session. A morning waitlist will be automatically created based on the lottery results. If a spot in the morning session becomes available, the JG team will notify families via email. Frequently asked questions Registration What steps should I take to become a JG? What is the cost of the program? 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 (mailto:LBJG@longbeach.gov)for more information. Are there scholarship opportunities available? 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.(mailto:LBJG@longbeach.gov) What is the program's refund policy? 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. When are the registration deadlines? 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 What is the difference between Priority registration and Lottery registration? 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. 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? 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. Are uniforms included in the program cost? 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. 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? 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.

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

PREP CLASS REGISTER HERE REPORT ABSENCE 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. 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. Millikan / 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. Millikan 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. Silverado 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! Sam D. Millikan Instructor Years as a Lifeguard: 17th year! Years as a prep class instructor: 7 years as a Junior Guard instructor and this is my 4th year teaching Prep! When did you first learn to swim? I began my swimming journey at 6 months old. Then joined my first swim team at 8 years old. What is your favorite marine animal?? My favorite marine animal is the sea turtle If you could participate in any Winter Olympic sport, what would it be? if I could compete in the Winter Olympics, you’d definitely find me in a snowboarding event! 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! Poly Instructor Gage G.

Environmental Stewardship Essay Contest As a capstone to the program, LBJGs have the opportunity to participate in an essay contest. The essays reflect on their personal experiences as Junior Lifeguards and their time at the Aquarium, as well as, encourage participants to articulate their personal growth and insights gained from the program. JGs are also asked to explore the relationship between environmental stewardship and community responsibility. Generous donations support the essay contest, including a four first prize scholarships of $1,000 from the Jr. Lifeguard Foundation and Aquarium of the Pacific Board Members, Bob and Val Hoffman. Second and third place prizes with experiences donated by the Aquarium of the Pacific. - Nathaniel Terrel, Cadet Group "Environmental stewardship is closely tide to community responsibility; one cannot exist without the other." Writing Contest Information This is an optional writing contest; it is not required to participate in the LBJG program. 3 winners from each age group will be selected - Cadets (15-17 years old), A Group (14-17 years old), B Group (12-13 years old), and C Group (9-11 years old). Winners will be announced at the Junior Lifeguard Awards Ceremony. If your JG would like to participate in the essay contest, they must submit their essay to their JG instructor by JULY 17. Continue Reading for essay prompt, rules and prizes! 2025 Essay Contest Prompt ONLY Cadet, A and B Group Reflecting on your experiences as a Junior Lifeguard and your time spent at the Aquarium of the Pacific, write an essay that explores the relationship of environmental stewardship and community responsibility. ONLY C Group Think about your time as a Junior Lifeguard and at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Write a story about what you learned about helping the ocean and its creatures. You may include a drawing with your essay. Essay Guidelines: Cadets and A Group: Essay can be up to 2 pages typed, double spaced B Group: Essay can be up to 1 page typed, double spaced or handwritten Handwritten essays will only be accepted if the writing is legible. C Group: Essay can be up to 3 paragraphs typed or handwritten and can include a drawing Handwritten essays will only be accepted if the writing is legible. Drawings are not mandatory JGs can get official lined paper for their handwritten essay from their JG instructor 2025 Awards and Prizes There will be a 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place winner from each age group below: Cadets (15-17 years old) A group (14-17 years old) B group (12-13 years old) C group (9-11 years old) Winners will receive the following prizes: 1st Place Winners (4 winners) $1000 Scholarship - $500 from the Aquarium of the Pacific & $500 from the Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Foundation 2nd Place Winners (4 winners) 6 tickets to the Aquarium Aquarium of the Pacific beanie 3rd Place Winners (4 winners) 2 tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific “Just because we don’t live in the ocean doesn’t mean that the beach isn’t part of our community; it is, and it’s what makes Long Beach so special.” - Louie Munoz, B Group “As Junior Lifeguards, we are not just trained in water rescue but also became ambassadors for marine conservation.” - Makayla Amadeus, A Group

PHONE SUMMER PROGRAM DETAILS How to Be a JG The Long Beach Junior Lifeguard Summer Program offers students ages nine to seventeen instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, first aid, ocean sports, physical conditioning, and marine ecology. This program gives students the experience they need for future careers as lifeguards or in various public service professions. All aspects of beach activity will be explored from running to skin diving. The program is presented in a manner that will enable students to participate to the best of his or her ability while learning new skills. We end each summer with the annual Ironguard event, a four mile run and two mile swim that shows students the progress they have made throughout the summer. REGISTRATION 6-week Program June 22nd - July 31st AM & PM Sessions Morning: 9am-12pm Afternoon: 1pm-4pm Ages 9-17 Cadets: 15-17 years old A Group: 14-17 years old B Group: 12-13 years old C Group: 9-11 years old 2026 $606 Scholarships available for LBUSD students Learn More What's a day in the life look like? For more information about the day-to-day of the Junior Lifeguard program, check out the Summer Handbook! LEARN MORE