Long Beach Fire Department
Junior Lifeguard Program
The JG Prep Class is an opportunity for new JGs to improve their swimming stroke and speed. The goal is to swim 100 yards in under two minutes (or 100 meters in under 2:13.2). If a student successfully passes the tryout during a prep class, they will be eligible to register for the JG summer program.
This class is NOT MANDATORY for summer registration. It is an opportunity for prospective JGs who aren't already in regular swim practices to practice their skills.
To be eligible for participation in the Prep Class, your child must have NOT participated in the LBJG program in the past AND meet the age requirements for the 2025 JG program (ages 9-17 as of July 1st, 2025)
Details
Registration: 5 blocks will be offered. Separate registration is required for each block​​​
​​​TIMES: Each block will offer 2 class times. Students can only participate in 1 class time per block. Parents can't register their child for both class times.​
Session 1: 5pm-6pm​
Session 2: 6pm-7pm
​LOCATION: Silverado Park Swimming Pool
1540 W 32nd St, Long Beach CA 90810
COST: All prep classes are FREE! Registration is still required for staffing purposes​
INSTRUCTORS: Long Beach Lifeguards! Check out our team bios here.
Block 1
Feb 4th-Feb 20th
Registration opens:
Jan 6th
Block 2
Feb 25th-Mar 13th
Registration opens:
Jan 6th
Block 3
March 18th-Apr 3rd
Registration opens:
Feb 25th
Block 4
Apr 8th-Apr 24th
Registration opens:
Mar 18th
Block 5
Apr 29th-May 15th
Registration opens:
Apr 8th
Waitlist
​A waitlist will be established through the online registration system once the class is full. Families will be notified when they are being moved off the waitlist and into the class via email.
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Even if the class is displayed as "Full", we recommend adding your student to the waitlist. Students are regularly moved off the waitlist and into the class due to participants passing the swim test.
What to Bring
A towel, goggles, swim cap, and swim suit. Please have your child already in their swim suit, or use the locker room facilities to change. There is no changing allowed on the pool deck.
Who to look for
A Lead JG Instructor will be onsite at every prep class, please be sure to check in with this Lead JG Instructor at the beginning of each class.
Absences
To remain enrolled, you must have zero unexcused absences, and no more than three excused absences. Please complete the Prep Class Excused Absence form for any planned absences.
Prep Class Instructors
Ever since its introduction in 2018, Prep Class instructors have helped hundreds of participants gain confidence in the water and improve their swimming skills. We are grateful to have these experienced instructors on the deck coaching future junior guards!
Brooke G.
Silverado Lead Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 7th summer!
Years as a prep class instructor: 3 years
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned to swim before I could walk at 3 months old.
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? I started playing water polo when I was 8 years old, my dad and older brother are the ones who introduced me to the sport.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Schooner or Later! It is my favorite place for brunch with the best view of the marina!
Reed C.
Silverado Lead Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 8!
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st
When did you first learn how to swim? I first learned to swim at 8 years old. I later joined the highschool swim team as a freshman.
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My older brother inspired me to play waterpolo.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? the beach run path
Isabell O.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 5 years as a lifeguard
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st year
When did you first learn how to swim?
I first learned at 7 years old.
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo?
I was inspired to swim after watching Ariel and H2O Mermaids. I wanted to swim under the water like them. Then I eventually fell in love with the sport and competing so I stuck with it.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Republic of Pie
Gabe C.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: This will be my 4th summer
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim when I was 8 years old
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My uncle inspired me to swim because he was a lifeguard when I learned how to swim and I spent most of my summers with him at the pool.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Costco
Brittany M.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: I am a third year Ocean Lifeguard
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I started to learn how to swim at the age of 6.
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? The person who inspired me to do waerpolo and swim was my siblings and cousins
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Aquarium!
Christopher C.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 4
Years as a prep class instructor: 2nd!
When did you first learn how to swim? I first learned to swim at the Downey pool. I was enrolled in the mommy and me classes and continued going every summer!
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My older brother inspired me to play waterpolo.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? The Library Coffee House. It'sa fire place to do homework. The vibes are top tier!
Brooke O.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 4
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My parents inspired me to be a great swimmer.
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Republic of Pie
Daniel C.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 3
Years as a prep class instructor: 1st!
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned how to swim at the age of 4
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? Michael Phelps
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? Thunderbolt Pizza
Abbey V.
Silverado Instructor
Years as a Lifeguard: 8
Years as a prep class instructor: 3
When did you first learn how to swim? I learned to swim when I started walking because I would run straight into the pool and it would scare my parents! I went straight from water safety class to swimming on a team by the age of 3 and loved every minute of it!
Who inspired you to swim/play water polo? My first swim coach Hank Wise was a big inspiration for me swimming. He still continues to inspire me today and one day I would like to do a solo Catalina Channel Crossing!
What is your favorite place in Long Beach? the beach at the bay, especially at sunset!