about junior lake lifeguards:
The Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Junior Lake Lifeguard Program offers youth ages 9-17, instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, first-aid, open water sport activities, and physical conditioning. Participants are led by Lifeguard staff in daily hands-on activities promoting the importance of teamwork, water safety, and re-enforcing an active lifestyle. Our goal is to educate youth in our communities, develop leaders, and the next generation of future lifeguards.
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pROGRAM SUMMARY:
⏳ Note: As of 2025, the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program is returning to a 6 hour daily program
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(2026) Session Dates:
🔶Session 1: June 15 - July 2 🔷Session 2: July 13 - July 30 
🏅 2026 Junior Lifeguard Intra-Lake Competition Dates:
Session 1: (Wednesday) July 1st @Castaic Lake Session 2: (Wednesday) July 29th @Santa Fe Dam |
PARENT HANDBOOK:
PROGRAM LOCATIONS
There are (3) park locations that offer the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program:
There are (3) park locations that offer the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program:
- Bonelli Regional Park (San Dimas, CA)
- Santa Fe Dam (Irwindale/Azusa, CA)
- Castaic Lake (Castaic, CA)
PROGRAM HOURS
Regular Program: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
Drop off should not occur before 8:30am and pick up no later than 3:30pm.
Any exceptions to normal program hours will be announced for field trips and other special events.
Regular Program: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
Drop off should not occur before 8:30am and pick up no later than 3:30pm.
Any exceptions to normal program hours will be announced for field trips and other special events.
CONTACTS
Please reach out to the JG Office staff with any questions:
[email protected]
Directors (2026)
BONLLI PARK (San Dimas, CA)
- Rembrandt Santana ([email protected])
SANTA FE DAM (Irwindale/Azusa, CA)
- Brittany Orduno ([email protected])
CASTAIC LAKE (Castaic, CA)
- Miriam Kilby ([email protected])
📞 >>Phone Contacts
Please reach out to the JG Office staff with any questions:
[email protected]
Directors (2026)
BONLLI PARK (San Dimas, CA)
- Rembrandt Santana ([email protected])
SANTA FE DAM (Irwindale/Azusa, CA)
- Brittany Orduno ([email protected])
CASTAIC LAKE (Castaic, CA)
- Miriam Kilby ([email protected])
📞 >>Phone Contacts
WHAT TO BRING
Junior lifeguards should be equipped with the following for each day of the program:
Junior lifeguards should be equipped with the following for each day of the program:
- All mandatory uniform articles (please make sure all articles are clearly marked)
- Towel
- Footwear (sandals & shoes for running)
- Sunscreen (please apply at least 15 minutes prior to arrival and encourage reapplication)
- Water
- Food (lunch will take place daily from approximately 1200-1240pm)
- Some type of bag to store possessions when engaged in other activities
TRANSPORTATION
It is the sole responsibility of each parent or guardian to ensure safe travel for their child(ren) to and from the Junior Lifeguard Program. Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation and the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program are not responsible for students outside of scheduled program hours and activities. The Program does not certify parent carpools. The only Program provided transportation is by licensed commercial carriers hired by the Program for group travel to special activities.
Parents are expected to be prompt at dropping-off and picking-up their Junior Lifeguards. Parents are responsible for their children immediately prior to and immediately following scheduled program hours. If you would like your child to ride their bicycle to/from JG’s, please write a note at the beginning of the session advising us of this.
It is the sole responsibility of each parent or guardian to ensure safe travel for their child(ren) to and from the Junior Lifeguard Program. Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation and the Junior Lake Lifeguard Program are not responsible for students outside of scheduled program hours and activities. The Program does not certify parent carpools. The only Program provided transportation is by licensed commercial carriers hired by the Program for group travel to special activities.
Parents are expected to be prompt at dropping-off and picking-up their Junior Lifeguards. Parents are responsible for their children immediately prior to and immediately following scheduled program hours. If you would like your child to ride their bicycle to/from JG’s, please write a note at the beginning of the session advising us of this.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken twice daily (first thing in the AM and after lunch). If your child is arriving late, walk them out to the beach and personally notify an instructor of their presence. Please send a note with your child if they will be leaving early so their instructor can have them prepared to leave when you arrive.
Attendance is taken twice daily (first thing in the AM and after lunch). If your child is arriving late, walk them out to the beach and personally notify an instructor of their presence. Please send a note with your child if they will be leaving early so their instructor can have them prepared to leave when you arrive.
PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES
Students are EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE in all regular program activities. Although it is possible for students to not complete some activities, it is necessary that they are willing participants in all activities. If students do not participate in some activities this will fall into the disciplinary procedures and staff will follow protocols outlined in the discipline policy.
Students are EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE in all regular program activities. Although it is possible for students to not complete some activities, it is necessary that they are willing participants in all activities. If students do not participate in some activities this will fall into the disciplinary procedures and staff will follow protocols outlined in the discipline policy.
GROUP DETERMINATION
Initial group assignments will be determined by a participants respective age. The three groups of the program consist of the following: C Group (9–11 year-old), B Group (12-13 year old), A group (14-17 year old). Over the course of the first few days of the program, instructors will make evaluation to attempt to group like skilled participants for the final grouping of the three-week sessions. There will be a number of activities that are done by the entire group of like aged participants. No group request should be made by any parents of participants in the Junior lifeguard program.
Assignments for each child (A, B or C) will be made by the program instructors. Grouping is based primarily on age and skill level. However, there may be other factors which influence your child’s grouping. If you have questions please feel free to contact the program Director.
Initial group assignments will be determined by a participants respective age. The three groups of the program consist of the following: C Group (9–11 year-old), B Group (12-13 year old), A group (14-17 year old). Over the course of the first few days of the program, instructors will make evaluation to attempt to group like skilled participants for the final grouping of the three-week sessions. There will be a number of activities that are done by the entire group of like aged participants. No group request should be made by any parents of participants in the Junior lifeguard program.
Assignments for each child (A, B or C) will be made by the program instructors. Grouping is based primarily on age and skill level. However, there may be other factors which influence your child’s grouping. If you have questions please feel free to contact the program Director.
USE OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
No personal equipment will be allowed unless otherwise noted by a Lead Instructor.
No personal equipment will be allowed unless otherwise noted by a Lead Instructor.
DRIVING IN THE PARK
POSTED SPEED LIMIT WITHIN THE PARK IS 15MPH. DO NOT SPEED. THERE ARE A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF KIDS IN THIS AREA. DO NOT SPEED!
POSTED SPEED LIMIT WITHIN THE PARK IS 15MPH. DO NOT SPEED. THERE ARE A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF KIDS IN THIS AREA. DO NOT SPEED!
PARKING IN THE PARK
There will be a grace period for drop off (7:45am-8:30am) and pick up (2:45pm-3:30pm). If you want to stay longer, a park pass must be displayed or you will be subject to citation.
There will be a grace period for drop off (7:45am-8:30am) and pick up (2:45pm-3:30pm). If you want to stay longer, a park pass must be displayed or you will be subject to citation.
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? CHECK OUT OUR FAQ'S:
ADDITIONALs:
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merit Badge sign off available(3) Available Merit Badges:
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JG Assistant (red shirt) program
What is the JG Assistant (Red Shirt) Program?
JG Assistants (also known as Red Shirts) are Jr Lake Lifeguards ages 15-17 who demonstrate leadership, strong physical abilities, and are interested in becoming LA County Lake Lifeguards or pursuing another career in public service. JG Assistants lead by example demonstrating and assisting youth with first aid and rescue techniques, they shadow LA County Lake Lifeguards, and assist instructors as needed. The goal of the JG Assistant Program is to foster leadership skills while preparing individuals for future careers as lifeguards or other forms of public service.
Requirements:
Jr Lake Lifeguards with at least 2-3 years of previous experience in the Jr. Lake Lifeguard Program are eligible to apply for the JG Assistant Program.
Questions about the JG Assistant Program? Email, the Program location you are applying to:
Bonelli Park - [email protected]
Santa Fe Dam - [email protected]
Castaic Lake - [email protected]
JG Assistants (also known as Red Shirts) are Jr Lake Lifeguards ages 15-17 who demonstrate leadership, strong physical abilities, and are interested in becoming LA County Lake Lifeguards or pursuing another career in public service. JG Assistants lead by example demonstrating and assisting youth with first aid and rescue techniques, they shadow LA County Lake Lifeguards, and assist instructors as needed. The goal of the JG Assistant Program is to foster leadership skills while preparing individuals for future careers as lifeguards or other forms of public service.
Requirements:
Jr Lake Lifeguards with at least 2-3 years of previous experience in the Jr. Lake Lifeguard Program are eligible to apply for the JG Assistant Program.
Questions about the JG Assistant Program? Email, the Program location you are applying to:
Bonelli Park - [email protected]
Santa Fe Dam - [email protected]
Castaic Lake - [email protected]
CONTACT US:
