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 s elf-confidence and help prepare interested youths for work as lifeguards. Participants learn about beach safety in a fun and challenging atmosphere.


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

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 t he country in which your state falls. Remember to make sure that the lifeguard agency and junior lifeguard program are USLA affiliated.

The following are links to websites for junior lifeguard programs: