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 fills to capacity quickly.

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.

2025 Jr. Lifeguard Program

The Ventura County Jr. Lifeguard Program will take place from July 7, 2025 to August 1, 2025. Applications for the program will open in mid-April.

Tryouts, a requirement for all new participants, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2025 at Hueneme High School.

Cost:

$560 - includes a trip to the Channel Islands National Park (Monday, July 21) and a t-shirt
$530 - for siblings

Shorts and sweatshirts will also be available for purchase.