Junior Lifeguard programs are a popular extension of the services provided by lifeguard agencies affiliated with the USLA. With professional lifeguards as instructors, these (mostly summer) programs teach water safety, first aid techniques, build self-confidence, and help prepare interested youth 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 6 and 17 who meet the requirements of the agency program they wish to join. Although programs vary, participants are usually placed into one of five age divisions:

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 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 would like to become a USLA Junior Lifeguard Member, you can join online at usla.org/join.

Program Coordinators and Directors may contact the USLA Membership Chair at membership@usla.org for a streamlined bulk registration option for Junior Guards.