Be a Junior Lifeguard

GGNRA Junior Lifeguard Program

 

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About The Program

Watch a Video About the Program

Junior Lifeguards is a free summer program educating local youth ages 13-17 in ocean awareness, beach safety, and lifeguarding skills such as ocean swimming and first aid. Participants will learn rescue skills from National Park Service lifeguards, with most classes meeting at Stinson Beach. The program incorporates interaction with a range of emergency services personnel from the NPS and other agencies. Many of our activities will take place in the ocean, so ownership of a wetsuit is highly recommended. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will know how to identify and safely swim out of rip currents, perform basic ocean rescues, know the first steps of what to do in a medical emergency, and have in-depth knowledge of the coastal Marin area of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

 

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Important Dates

Application Period: April 1st – June 1st
Tryouts and Orientation: Tuesday June 25th 10:00am – 1:00pm
Class Dates: Mondays and Tuesdays July 1st - August 6th

Class Times

Ages 13-14 Class Times: 10:00am - 1:30pm
Ages 15-17 Class Times: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Location

We meet each morning at the base of the main lifeguard tower at Stinson Beach.

Tryouts

To ensure each participant can safely handle the physical demands of this program, all junior lifeguards must pass a physical fitness screening on June 25th, consisting of an untimed 600 yard ocean swim followed immediately by a one mile long beach run. 4/3 wetsuits are strongly encouraged! Attendance to the tryout is mandatory in order to be considered.

 

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Lifeguard Certification

Participants 15 years and older will be enrolling in an American Red Cross lifeguard training program. There is no fee for this training or certification, which allows holders to seek employment as paid lifeguards. To meet certification and testing requirements, some coursework will be completed online outside of class hours, and participants must reach their 15th birthday on or before completion of the program.

 

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Junior Lifeguard Instructors

Former junior lifeguards who hold current lifeguard certifications are eligible to assist with program instruction, and to recertify. Inquire with the lifeguards for details.

Come to the Beach Prepared!

Please make sure your junior lifeguard comes to the beach prepared for a full and active day!

• 4/3 wetsuit and booties (highly recommended)

• Sunscreen

• Towel

• Swimsuit

• Sun protected hat (optional, but recommended)

• A sweatshirt/sweatpants for cold days

• Protective, beach appropriate footwear

• A nutritious packed lunch and lots of drinking water

 

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Want to Apply?

Click the link below to apply! The application process opens on April 1st, 2024.

New applicants will be contacted by an instructor to schedule an in-person interview at the Stinson Beach lifeguard tower. Returning applicants have the option of conducting a phone interview to reapply. At the close of the application and interview period, all application packages will be reviewed by the instructor staff and 25 junior lifeguards will be selected for the program.

Click here to apply.

COVID-19 Precautions

We strongly recommend that junior guards are vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to ensure the safety of other participants. Our 2024 season will return to a "pre-COVID" model, masks and social distancing will be optional.