Junior lifeguard programs are an extremely popular extension of the services provided by lifeguard agencies affiliated with USLA. With professional lifeguards as instructors, these (mostly summer) programs teach water safety, first aid techniques, build self-confidence and help prepare interested youths for work as lifeguards. Participants learn about beach safety in a fun and challenging atmosphere.

Age Divisions
Participants are girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 17 who meet the requirements of the agency's program they wish to participate in. Although programs vary, participants are usually placed into one of four age divisions:

AA	16-17 years old
A	14-15 years old
B	12-13 years old
C	9-11 years old

Competition Events
Interested junior lifeguards can compete in aquatic sports locally, regionally, and nationally. The national competition occurs in August each year somewhere in the USA.

Competition events for all age divisions include:

Distance Swim

Swim Relay

Run-Swim-Run

Distance Run

Beach Flags

Distance Paddle

Rescue Relay

If you would like to find out how to participate in a Junior Lifeguard program, please contact your local lifeguard agency for specific information. You may also wish to contact an official of the USLA Region of the country in which your state falls. Remember to make sure that the lifeguard agency and junior lifeguard program are USLA affiliated.

If you are already a Junior Guard with a USLA-affiliated program and you would like to become a USLA Junior Lifeguard Member, please fill out the attached application form and have your coordinator sign it and send it in with your dues payment.   Downloadable Junior Guard Membership Application

If you are a Program Coordinator or Director, please contact the USLA Membership Chair at membership@usla.org to receive an excel file template for BULK registration and single payment of all your Junior Guards. 

Junior Lifeguard of the Year
The USLA Junior Lifeguard of the Year Award is presented annually to a Junior Guard who has exemplified qualities such as leadership and sportsmanship.  Downloadable Junior Lifeguard of the Year Nomination Form

Gold Seal Junior Lifeguard Programs
Junior Guards in Gold Seal Junior Lifeguard Programs not only adhere to USLA standards and guidelines, but also register each of their participants as official USLA Junior Lifeguard Members. The United States Lifesaving Association is pleased to recognize our 2012 Gold Seal Junior Lifeguard Programs:

Avon, NJ

Cape May, NJ

Charleston, SC

Galveston, TX

Indian River County, FL

LA County, CA

Laguna Beach, CA

Lake Mission Viejo, CA

Long Beach, NY

Newport Beach, CA

Ocean Grove, NJ

Pendleton Coast, CA

Pompano Beach, FL

San Clemente, CA

Sea Girt, NJ

Seal Beach, CA