The San Clemente State Beach Junior Lifeguard Program is a three week program focused on ocean recreation, education, and aquatic safety, held at San Clemente State Beach. Sessions run on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and are open to participants ages 8 to 15.
The program provides a safe, structured environment where participants are introduced to the fundamentals of lifeguarding and the aquatic environment. Training includes CPR, first aid, rescue skills, orientation to lifeguarding, and surf lifesaving competition. Ocean recreation is a central component, complemented by an interpretive element that explores ocean habitats and local ecosystems.
Instructors
All instructors are currently employed and fully trained California State Parks Ocean Lifeguards. They bring extensive ocean knowledge, strong lifeguarding expertise, and experience working with youth. The student-to-instructor ratio is 20:1.
Activities
Our program offers a full day of instruction, allowing for deeper, more comprehensive training. Core areas include aquatic safety, team building, and physical fitness.
- Recreation: Surfing, bodyboarding, beach games,prone paddling, swimming
- Education: CPR training, first aid, rescue skills, mock rescues, victim recognition, beach operations, and orientation to lifeguarding
- Interpretation: Beach hazards, wildlife, and ocean dynamics
- Competition: Individual and team-based events, including opportunities to compete with other agencies
To Qualify
This is NOT a learn-to-swim program. All participants must pass a required tryout to demonstrate minimum swim proficiency. All listed criteria must be met for enrollment.
Enrollment is first come, first served. Returning Junior Guards are NOT required to try out.
Tryout Requirements
- Swim 100 yards under the time standard for your age:
8-9: years old: 2:30
10-11: years old: 2:15
12-15: years old: 2:00 - Swim 10 yards underwater
- Tread water for 5 minutes
Registration and Fees
Once tryouts are completed all registration will take place on the State Parks reservation system at Reserve California. The registration link will provide a detailed account of the registration process and a link for enrollment.
Fees for the Junior Lifeguard program are as follows: $440
(Fee’s listed above do not include the purchase of the uniform and are subject to change.)