Program Information

BOLSA CHICA STATE BEACH JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS

The Bolsa Chica State Beach Junior Lifeguard Program is a four-week (two sessions per summer) open ocean recreation and education program that takes place at Bolsa Chica State Beach. The program meets on weekdays from 9am-3pm between towers 19 and 20 (see map for exact program location). This program is offered to Jr. Lifeguard activityparticipants ranging in age from 9 years old – 15 years old.

We are also currrently offering a "Grom Camp" for participants age 6-8 years old.  This camp will run three week sessions from 9am - 1pm.  Participants must complete the tryout process prior to enrollment.

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 of 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

Unlike other local programs which offer three hours of training, we offer six hours of instruction per day. The extra time we offer allows our program to go more in-depth in all areas of instruction. Main focuses involve general aquatic safety, team building exercises, and physical fitness. The majority of the programs content revolves around the following areas:Jr. Lifeguard water activity

Recreation:  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:  Least Tern Preserve, Beach Hazards, Wetlands, 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:
    • 6-8:      years old: 1:45 (50 Yards)
      9-10:    years old: 2:20
      11-12:  years old: 2:10
      13-15:  years old: 2:00
  • Swim 10 yards underwater
  • Tread water for 5 minutes (Grom Camp 3 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.

Jr. Lifeguard activityFees for the Junior Lifeguard program are as follows:

Session Enrollment:   $475
(Sibling Discount for second child $445)

Both Session Enrollment:   $900

Grom Camp: $350

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