Enrollment applications are now available to youth interested in participating in the Ventura County 2024 Junior Lifeguard Program.

The Junior Lifeguard Program, sponsored by the Ventura County Harbor Department, offers youth 8 to 15 years of age the opportunity to receive instruction in lifeguard rescue techniques, emergency medical first-aid, ocean sports activity, physical conditioning, marine ecology, and public service. Participants must be 8 years of age by July 15 – the first day of the program.

Enrollment for the program is first come, first served. Due to the popularity of the program, enrollment is expected to fill to capacity quickly. Applications will be accepted in person at the Ventura County Harbor Patrol Office, located at 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035. Applications can be picked up at Harbor Patrol or by downloading it here.

There will be one session (limited to approximately 75 participants) for the program. The session will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, from July 15, 2024 to August 9, 2024 at Silver Strand Beach.

New Participants

First time participants are required to tryout and qualify before being accepted in the program. To qualify, new participants must be able to swim 150 yards within four minutes, float or tread water for two minutes, and be able to dive underwater to a depth of 7 feet. No exceptions.

The date and location for tryouts will be provided later. A parent/guardian must be present during the tryout.

There is a fee to enroll in the program. For more information, please call the Ventura County Harbor Patrol at (805) 973-5959 or Harbor Administration at (805) 973-5950.