Overview

2026 Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguard Program

We are so excited to announce our 2026 Junior Lifeguard Program.  We will be offering two 3-week sessions. Participants can attend one or both of the sessions. Swim test dates and dates for both sessions are below.

2026 Registration is now closed. Swim tryouts have been completed. 

NEW THIS YEAR-We are so happy to announce we are offering a "Multiple session discount" and a "Sibling discount". Only ONE discount applies. 

Program Description & Contents

To provide the youth of our community with life skills in fundamental ocean swimming techniques and acquaint them with the hazards of ocean swimming in a courteous, respectful, and positive teaching environment. 

Participants will learn the basic components of water safety, lifeguarding, surf rescue, ocean swimming, surfing, care and handling of ocean rescue equipment, CPR, first aid, and marine life studies.  Pismo Beach Junior Lifeguards will also have an opportunity to compete in junior lifeguard competitions, ocean kayak, visit other area beaches, and take a day trip to the water slides.  Pismo Beach Lifeguards will provide all instruction.  For more information please call our information line at 805-773-7069 or email at sneuschwander@pismobeach.org.  Please check our website at www.pismobeach.org/jg for additional information.

Program Schedule & Enrollment

  •                                   Dates:            SESSION 1: June 15 - July 3, 2026
                                      SESSION 2: July 6 - July 24, 2026

    Time:              8:30am - 12:30pm, Monday - Friday

    Location:       On the beach in front of the Sandcastle Hotel

    Cost:              $499.00 per session, per participant; NEW this year, multi-sessions discount $798.00 per                                           participant. Sibling discount $449.00 per session per participant. **Only ONE discount applies. 

Requirements

Open to youth ages 9-17. Participants must be of age by July 31, 2025.  All returning and new applicants must pass a basic swim test of 100 yards in order to participate in the program.  Times are as follows:

Group
Age
Time
Group AA
16 through 17 years
1:40 minutes or less
Group A
14 through 15 years
1:40 minutes or less
Group B
12 through 13 years
1:55 minutes or less
Group C
9 through 11 years
2:30 minutes or less


Swim Tryouts & Registration Period 

 Swim tryouts and registration will be at Sinsheimer Pool (900 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo). * If the participant is unable to pass the initial swim test, they will be allowed one additional try on the same day. If the participant is still unable to pass the swim test, they are welcome to try again on any of the remaining dates available.

Lifeguards
Date
Time
All New and Returning Participating Junior Lifeguards
April 30, 20267:15 - 9:15pm
All New and Returning Participating Junior Lifeguards
May 2, 20265:00 - 7:00pm