OC Junior Guards is an ocean safety program run and taught by Orange County Lifeguards. The program teaches students ocean safety fundamentals, lifesaving skills and respect for the ocean environment through a fun and experiential curriculum. Students are taught by professional ocean lifeguards who work the beaches and draw from their experience and knowledge to teach students how to be ocean-aware, ocean-skilled and ocean-safe.

• 8-15 years old
• Participant must be 8 years old by the first day of participation

• Strands Beach
• 34116 Selva Road, Dana Point, CA 92629
• Drop off and pick up is in the north end of the parking lot
• Students will walk to and from the beach under supervision by program staff

• All Weeks Run Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm
• Students may enroll in any combination of weeks.

• $ 265 per one-week per child
• Sorry, no sibling or multi-week discounts

• Enrollment opens Feb 1st, 2024
• Enrollment will be on first come, first serve basis. Space may be limited.
• Payment must be received in full at the time of enrollment
• All customers must have registered an online account with OCJG. New Customers [Register Here]
• Enroll by logging into OCJG customer account and paying for week(s) in full. Returning Customers [Log in Here]
• New students (have never participated in OCJG) must complete a swim test prior to participation in the program
• The swim test must be completed no later than 7 days in advance of the week of enrollment. Failure to complete the swim test by the 7 day deadline will result in the student being dropped from the session with no refund
• Returning students are exempt from the swim test

• There is a $50.00 cancellation charge per week per child cancelled
• Cancellation requests must be made no later than 7 days prior to the start of the session of enrollment to receive a refund.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations requested less than 7 days prior to the start of the session.
• Enrolled Junior Guards who cannot pass the swim test will receive a full refund. Swim test results must be verified by the swim test provider to be eligible for a refund.
• Refunds must be requested in writing to [OCJG Customer Service]

• Returning OCJG students are exempt from the swim test requirement
• All new students ages 8-15 are required to complete a swim test to be eligible to participate in the program.
• The swim test consists of the following:
  • 100 yards timed swim completed in 2:30 minutes or less
  • 5 minutes continuous treading water without rest or assistance
• Swim test results will be submitted to OCJG Administration and updated in the OCJG student record. Student must be registered with OCJG to receive credit for swim test completion
• The swim test must be completed no later than 7 days in advance of the week of enrollment.
• Students who have not completed the swim test by the 7 day deadline will be dropped from the week with no refund.
• The student must be registered in an OCJG Account before taking the swim test in order for their swim test results to be officially recorded
• A student may take the swim test any time up to 7 days prior to the week of enrollment. If a child is already paid and enrolled in a week and cannot pass the swim test, their swim test results must be officially submitted to OCJG to receive a refund
• Swim tests may only be completed with the following authorized programs:
  
  Swim Tests will be administered on a walk-in basis at the following location, dates and times:
  
  
  • Option 1) Attend OCJG's Swim Test Event (Dana Hill High School Pool)
    
    
    
    
  • Option 2) Dolphin Aquatics Program-
    
    
    • Attend a swim test proctored by Dolphin Aquatics or enroll in one of their swim test prep courses
    • Program Info and Sign Ups- Click Here for more INFO
    • Cost is $15.00 for Swim Test
    • Junior Guard Swim Test Prep Classes- Click Here
      
      
  Required Equipment-
  
  To ensure your child's safety, we have provided the following list of equipment as a minimum standard for participating in the program activities:
  • Uniform- Junior Guards are required to wear their uniform everyday they attend camp for the purpose of safety, uniformity, and accountability. The mandatory uniform items are:
    • OCJG T-Shirt (OCJG Sweatshirt OK)
    • OCJG Boardshorts or Swimsuit
    • OCJG Rashguard
    • The uniform must be worn for the safety and wellbeing of the junior guards. Junior guards will not be permitted to participate in the day's activities without their full uniform
  • Surf Fins- Any soft rubber fin that secures around the ankle with an open heal (no adjustable straps). There are a variety of brands including Duck Feet, DaFin, Viper, BZ, etc. Any fin that is designed for bodysurfing or bodyboarding will suffice. Fins will be available for sale at Hobie during uniform distribution.
  • Towel- It is recommended to bring more than one towel each day. We will be in and out of the water frequently and towels can become uncomfortably soggy.
  • Sun Block- We will provide sun block for the junior lifeguards but we also require a personal supply for your children. Any waterproof sun block with SPF greater than 30 will suffice. Waterproof lip protection is also highly recommended and should be reapplied throughout the day.
  • Packed Lunch and Water- There will be a 45-minute lunch break each day. It is important for your children to eat a nutritious lunch and drink ample amounts of water to keep up their energy level and remain hydrated. Sodas can actually dehydrate the body and are not recommended. We recommend foods high in energy such as sandwiches, granola bars, fruits, and yogurt. **IMPORTANT** LUNCH MUST BE PACKED IN A HARD PLASTIC CASE OR COOLER. SQUIRRELS AND BIRDS CAN RIP THROUGH CLOTH AND PAPER LUNCH BAGS!
  • Warm Clothing- In the morning hours and on overcast or windy days, the air temperature can be quite cool at the beach. Junior lifeguards should be prepared for cool temperatures and bring their OCJG sweatshirt to the beach each day.
  • Beach Bag- Junior lifeguards should bring a bag large enough to hold all their equipment including fins, towels, lunch, extra clothing, and wetsuit. Their bag should also be easy to carry (preferably a backpack) so they can walk without difficulty down to the campsite. Bags should also be labeled with the junior lifeguard's name clearly printed.
  • Flip Flops/Sandals- The junior lifeguards must wear sandals every day to the program to protect their feet on the walk to and from the beach and parking lot.
  
  
  Optional Recommended Equipment-
  
  The following items are not required for program participation but highly recommended:
  • Sunglasses- Sunglasses will be useful while the junior lifeguards are taking a break from physical activity on the beach and help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. However, these items are expensive and can be lost or damaged if not taken care of. All junior lifeguards will be responsible for their own equipment.
  • Wetsuit- Wetsuits provide extra warmth and comfort in the ocean. It is very important for your child to try on these items when you are purchasing them and make sure they fit like a "second skin". Wetsuits come in different styles, which provide different amounts of warmth and flexibility. Please consult a store attendant when you are shopping for a wetsuit.
  
  
  Uniform Policy-
  
  
  • It is mandatory that all junior guards wear their uniform each day they attend the program
  • Uniforms help ensure easy identification of students for safety and provide sun protection
  • Every student who is enrolled in the program must wear a uniform each day consisting of:
    • OC Junior Guard T-Shirt ($12.00)
    • White OC Junior Guard Rashguard ($28.00)
    • Navy Blue Boardshorts for Boys ($34.00)
    • Navy Blue Bathing Suit for Girls- We are sorry, THIS IS NOT PROVIDED BY OCJG. We will accept any solid color navy blue or blue female one piece or two piece that is designed for sportswear.
      • Optional Uniform Items Include:
      • Hooded Sweatshirt($28.00)
      • Hat($15.00)
      • Sweatpants($28.00)
    
    
    
  • Junior guards who show up without their uniform will not be allowed to participate
  • Returning OC Junior Guards may wear last year's uniform
  • Uniforms are sold separately and will be issued at the following location on the following dates and times:
    
    Location:
    
        OC Junior Guards Warehouse
        216 Avenida Fabricante, Suite 202
        San Clemente, CA 92673
    
    Dates and Times:
    
    TBD
  • Credit card payments only
  • All sales are final
  
  
  THERE ARE NO ALTERNATE UNIFORM PICK UP DATES OR LOCATIONS. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. IF YOU HAVE A CONFLICT WITH THE DATES, PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE PICK UP THE UNIFORM FOR YOU.
  
  Child Drop Off and Pick Up Policy-
  
  • Drop Off Procedure
    • Location- Strands Beach Parking Lot, North end of parking lot.
    • 34116 Selva Road, Dana Point, CA 92629
    • Drop off your child at 9:00 am sharp
    • Drive slowly and be aware pedestrian traffic in the parking lot
    • Please park your vehicle in a legal parking space. No drive through drop offs.
    • Walk your child to the center grassy island at the north end of the parking lot
    • Follow hand signals and instructions given by instructors present wearing yellow OCJC shirts
    • Junior guards will be organized into smaller groups and walk down to the beach as a group under instructor supervision by 9:15am.
  • Pick Up Procedure
    • Location- Strands Beach Parking Lot, North end of parking lot
    • Junior Guards will be walked up to the parking lot pick up location from the beach as a group each day
    • Drive slowly and be aware pedestrian traffic in the parking lot
    • Please park your vehicle in a legal parking space. No drive through pick ups.
    • Junior Guards will be ready for pick up at the center island at 3:00pm sharp
    • Instructors will remain in the parking lot to supervisor junior guards until 3:30pm
    • OC Junior Guards will not be responsible for supervising junior guards after 3:30pm
  • Drop Off and Pick Up Rules
    • Parents must notify OC Junior Guards ahead of time if they will be late picking up or dropping off their child by calling (949) 276-5050
    • Junior guards must wear sandals to walk to and from the beach
    • Junior guards must be dressed in their OC Junior Guards uniform every day when they are dropped off
    • Junior guards must be able to carry their own equipment to and from the camp
  
  
  OCJG Assistant Program-
  
  
  • Overview of the Assistant Position- OC Junior Guards offers more advanced training and experiences geared towards a professional ocean lifeguard career.
    • Junior guards ages 11-15 can try out for the elite "Orca Group" during their session of enrollment which consists of an advanced curriculum that models OC Lifeguards' Ocean Lifeguard Training Academy
    • The top junior guards from the Orca group are evaluated and selected for the Volunteer OC Junior Guard Assistant Position.
    • OC Junior Guard Assistants participate in the OC Junior Guard program as Volunteers and do not have to pay an enrollment fee (uniform fee will be charged). They work alongside instructors and are assigned leadership, safety, equipment, and curricular activities that prepare them for a career in marine safety and beyond.
    • On average, approximately 30% of OC Lifeguard recruits are former OC Junior Guard Assistants and end up becoming top notch ocean lifeguards.
    • This part of the program is highly recommended for junior guards who want to take the skills they have learned as junior guards to the next level of serving the public and helping others in the ocean lifeguard or public safety professions.
    
    
  • How to Become an Assistant-
    • Tryout and be selected for the Orca Group
    • A competitive selection process is conducted by instructors at the beginning of weeks 1, 3, 5 and 7 for enrolled 11-15 year old junior guards who want to qualify for the Orca Group.
    • Orca candidates must possess strong capabilities in ocean swimming, paddling, running, rescue, and be motivated to perform at a high fitness level.
    • It is highly recommended that Orca candidates participate in at least one session of OC Junior Guards prior to trying out for the group due to the intense nature of the curriculum.
    • Orca curriculum is a two-week program. One-week sessions will be combined into two consecutive weeks for the Orca curriculum. Participants must complete the entire two-week session and participate in all the activities to be eligible for selection to the Assistant position.
    • During the Orca curriculum, students will be tested and evaluated by their instructor to determine if they have what it takes to become an OC Junior Guard Assistant.
    • Qualified students will receive a recommendation by their instructor that will put them on the Assistant Candidate List.
    • Assistant Candidates will be contacted by OC Junior Guard to confirm the position and assignment to program week(s).
    
    
  • Assistant Roles and Responsibilities
    • Selected Assistants will be assigned to a specific weeks of the program and be expected to fulfill their commitments in their entirety.
    • Selected Assistants will be required to attend pre-season meetings, program activities such as uniform distribution and swim test, and trainings to help prepare them for their role in the program
    • Further details on events, meetings and trainings will be given to parents and students by phone and email as the season approaches.
    • Assistants will receive a special uniform that identifies them apart from other junior guards. They will be expected to represent the program in a positive light through their leadership, effort, professionalism, and positive attitude.
    • Assistants will receive ongoing instruction and evaluation to help them improve their skills and knowledge and excel as valuable members of the OC Junior Guard Team.
    • All returning OCJG Assistants must contact Supervisor Carrie Pierce to confirm their availability and scheduling by May 1st. Please also ensure that you have created an OCJG account and have registered your child. Please email cpierce@oclg.org to confirm your availability or if you have any questions regarding the OCJG Assistant Program.
  
  
  Curriculum Info-
  
  • The Purpose of the Program is to provide students with ocean safety fundamentals through a fun, challenging and enriching curriculum taught by experienced professional lifeguards. The program is designed for students to grow in their ocean knowledge and skill and work their way up through the program to successively complete more challenging and engaging activities.
    
    
  • Age Groups and Levels-
    • Students are first organized by age and then grouped based on an objective and subjective criteria including:
      • Prior experience in OCJG
      • Instructor to Student Ratios
      • Instructor Evaluations
    • The goal is to group students with similar ages and ability levels to provide the most productive, fun and challenging activities
    
    
    
  • The Core Themes of the Curriculum are carried throughout each week of the program and include:
    • Warm Up and Stretching
    • Ocean and Surf Swimming
    • Surf Zone Entry and Exit
    • Navigating Rip and Long Shore Currents
    • Beach Running
    • Paddling Skills
    • First Aid Skills
    • Ocean Rescue Skills
    • Lifeguard Competition
    • Sun Protection
    • Ocean Environment and Wildlife
    • Lifeguard and EMS Operations
    
    
    
  • Ocean Conditions are highly variable and will dictate the type and timing of activities. Activities will vary day to day, week to week. Surf and weather forecasts are monitored daily and activities will be planned around conditions to ensure safety and maximum learning opportunities. WE CANNOT CONTROL MOTHER NATURE, but we can be flexible and take advantage of all the learning opportunities she gives us.
    
    
  • Weekly Junior Lifeguard Vitamin Competitions will be held each week of the program providing students of all ages a chance to test the skills they have acquired. The Vitamin Competition Consists of the Following:
    • Waterman/woman competitive event involving a combination of swimming, running and paddling.
    • All age groups will have the opportunity to compete
    • Event day(s), times and course layout may vary depending on Ocean Conditions
    
    
  • Orca Group Tryouts- Held at the beginning of each week, 11-15 year old students may tryout to become an Orca. The Orca group offers a more challenging curriculum that prepares students for the Assistant Position and hones their skills in the ocean environment.
    • Candidates must complete tryouts to be selected for the group and are strongly encouraged to sign up for two-week increments to have the best experience with the activities and competitions.
    • Space is limited and not all tryout candidates are guaranteed to be selected for the Orca Group.
  • Orca Curriculum-
    • Advanced aquatic events and challenges
    • Lifeguard Competitions
    • Day trips exploring the coast by foot, paddleboard and swimming. Events will be scheduled according to ocean conditions and competition scheduling.
    • Working alongside a professional lifeguard in the lifeguard tower to gain hands-on experience.
  • Qualify to be an OCJG Assistant-
    • Orcas are evaluated and have the opportunity to be selected for the OCJG Assistant Position. This is a volunteer position that is assigned to work with an OCJG Instructor to provide safety and support during JG activities.
    • Orcas must complete a minimum of 2 consecutive weeks to be evaluated and considered for the Assistant Position.
    • Please email cpierce@oclg.org for information about the OCJG Assistant Program