Program Information

The Crystal Cove Junior Lifeguard Program is a three-week (three sessions per summer) open ocean recreation and education program that takes place at Crystal Cove State Park. The program meets on weekdays (Mon-Thur) at Reef Point (see map for exact program location). This program consists of an AM session (0830am-1200pm) and a PM session (1pm-430pm). This program is offered to participants Jr. Lifeguard Group Activityranging in age from 7 years old – 15 years old. Crystal Cove also offers and extended day program which allows participants from the AM session to remain at the beach until 3pm (this program is centered specifically around recreation).

The aim of our program is to provide a safe place where participants can be instructed in a variety of skills pertaining to the lifeguarding profession and the aquatic environment. Instructors will introduce participants to basic CPR skills, first aid, lifesaving competition, rescue techniques, and lifeguarding procedures. Ocean recreation is also a fundamental component of the We also include an interpretive component that provides information about the ocean habitats and local ecosystems.

INSTRUCTORS

Our staff is made up of currently employed and fully trained California State Parks Ocean Lifeguards, all of which are required to have spent two seasons in the field prior to becoming an instructor. All our instructors possess an intimate knowledge of the ocean, excellent lifeguarding skills, and a great ability to interact with youths. The ratio of students to instructor is 20:1.

ACTIVITIES

Jr. Lifeguard Beach ActivityRecreation: Surfing, Bodyboarding, Dodgeball, Beach Flags, Paddle Boards, SUP,    Swimming, Land Based Games
Education: CPR Skills, First Aid Skills, Mock Rescues, Victim Recognition, Beach Operations
Interpretation: Marine Protected Areas, Currents, Tides,
Competition: Activities designed to increase participation at both individual and team level (opportunities to compete against other agencies)

TO QUALIFY

The Junior Lifeguard Program is NOT a “learn to swim” school. Prospective students are screened at a tryout (see tryout link for dates and locations of tryouts) test to see if they meet the standards to enroll in the Junior Lifeguard Program. All three criteria (listed below) must be met in order to enroll in the program.

ENROLLMENT IS FILLED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. RETURNING JG’S DO NOT HAVE TO TRYOUT.

TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS

  • Swim 100 yards under the time standard for your age:
    7-8 years olds: 2:45
    9-10 years old: 2:30
    11-12 years old: 2:20
    13-15 years old: 2:15

  • 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:

Session Enrollment:            $400 (Sibling Discount for second child $375)

Fee’s listed above due not include the purchase of the uniform and are subject to change.