Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program Opens Registration
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For years, lifeguard Leighton Bell has made it her mission to save lives in Santa Barbara.
“I think we live in a city sit around the beach and kids need to understand the value of ocean skills,” said Bell.
Now, Bell is training kids to learn those skills at the upcoming Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program.
“Teach beach safety and education around how they can make good decisions and honestly potentially save their lives in a dangerous situation,” said Bell.
The program is a dynamic training experience for youth ages 6 to 17 taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid.
“Medical training, life saving training, how to deal with people on the beach … all those type things. Extremely invaluable,” said lifeguard Jack David of Santa Barbara County.
This year, the program is offering a new category called the Minis.
“I’m so excited for this. It starts at ages five and six and it’s meant to be centered around fun, but just creating an understanding and an awareness of the ocean,” said Bell.
Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills.
“Fun way that we can also change lives. You know … we want to implement just an education around something that is so integral in our community,” said Bell.
The new program will introduce the youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.
The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.
The focus of the Junior Lifeguard Program is to promote physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.
From Santa Barbara County Parks:
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – Santa Barbara County Parks is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Junior Lifeguard Program is now open! Families can sign up by visiting www.sbparks.org/jgs and clicking the green Register Now! Button. There are currently summer sessions available for youth aged 6 to 17.
This summer, the Junior Lifeguard Program will offer four fun-filled and educational sessions at Goleta Beach County Park. Each session runs Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Each session cost $250. There are discounts for registering multiple children.
• Session 1: June 16 – June 27
• Session 2: June 30 – July 11 (No program on July 4)
• Session 3: July 14 – July 25 (Includes optional Jalama group camp July 21–25; details to follow)
• Session 4: July 28 – August 8
Tryouts
All new participants will join returning Junior Lifeguards on the first day of their session for an untimed ocean swim test. Swim distances will be age appropriate.
New for 2025: Minis Program!
For the first time, Santa Barbara County Parks is welcoming 6- and 7-year-olds to join the new Minis Program, featuring age-specific activities designed to introduce our youngest participants to ocean safety in a fun and supportive environment.
About the Program
The Santa Barbara County Junior Lifeguard Program is a dynamic and enriching training experience for youth ages 6 to 17, taught by professional Santa Barbara County Lifeguards. Participants will gain hands-on experience in ocean rescue techniques, paddleboard use, CPR, and first aid. Daily activities include swimming, running, paddling, surfing, beach games, and water safety drills. The program also includes educational sessions on marine ecology and ocean conservation.
The Junior Lifeguard Program promotes physical fitness, safety awareness, teamwork, and respect for the coastal environment.
For full program details, including session breakdowns and FAQs, please visit www.sbparks.org/jgs