City of Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Program
2026 Program Dates: June 16 - July 30, 2026
Program Length: 7 weeks
Days of Operation: Monday through Thursday
-
Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. - Noon (Highly impacted)
-
Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Most likely session for "New" JG Families)
Swim Test Requirement: To qualify for participation in the program, prospective JGs must pass the NBJG swim test typically held in March.
Special Program Events
JG Open House - Picnic in the Park
Date: TBD
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Peninsula Park (on the soccer field next to JG Headquarters at A Street)
On this day we hold a "Picnic in the Park" for JG families to meet their JG’s instructor. Families will bring their own food, drinks, blankets, chairs, etc. JGs do not need to wear their uniform.
Ben Carlson Day
Date: TBD
Time: Normal JG Session Time
On July 6, 2014, Newport Beach Lifeguard and former JG Instructor, Ben Carlson made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while saving the life of another. Each year we pay tribute to the sacrifice he made. As part of Ben Carlson Day, JGs participate in a special running and ocean swim event during their normal JG session.
Picture Day
Date: TBD
Time:
- Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Afternoon Session: Noon to 3:00 p.m.
On picture day all JG age groups will report to Junior Lifeguard Headquarters on A Street this day.
Purchase options include a photo of the instructor with their JG group as well as JG Program photo. Envelopes from Yary Photography are handed out the day before picture day. On picture day, please send in a completed order form envelope with your Junior Lifeguard (cash or check). If you are sending cash, please be sure to put exact change in the envelope. JG staff cannot make change for picture day. For your convenience the pricing and envelope details will be viewable here closer to picture day. This is for reference only. Please use the envelope sent home with your JG.
Pictures will be mailed to you directly from Yary Photography near the end of the Junior Lifeguard Program.
Gray Lunde Ironman
Date: TBD
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Check-In: 8:30 a.m. at the tables at Tower 74. Competition begins at 9:00 a.m.
We are honored to conduct a competition in memory of Gray Lunde, a former Junior Lifeguard. This was his favorite Junior Lifeguard event. Participants start the competition at Tower 74 (Santa Ana River Jetty), run to the Newport Pier (2.2miles), swim around Buddy’s Buoy twice (400m), run to the Balboa Pier (1.7 miles), swim around Reenie’s Buoy twice (400m), run to “G” Street, and back to the finish at the Balboa Pier for recognition.
**The Ironman is a physically demanding, rigorous event! Particiapants are responsible for making sure their swimming, running, and endurance abilities are sufficient to complete the event.**
WAIVER & SIGN-UP REQUIRED!
- Check back in June for registration information
- Families are welcome to come down to the event to cheer on competitors.
- This is an optional JG event. All participants are responsible for assessing their ability to complete the event. This is a rigorous event. Make sure your swimming, running, and endurance abilities are sufficient to complete the event.
Santa Barbara Fiesta
Date: TBD
Time: 9:00 a.m. report to the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard tent in Santa Barbara.
Location: Santa Barbara East Beach (1118 East Cabrillo Blvd. – Beach Level; Santa Barbara, 93103)
Santa Barbara Fiesta is a day focused on fun and competition. This event is open to Junior Lifeguards of all competitive levels and from all age divisions. It takes place at Santa Barbara East Beach. JGs and their families are responsible for transportation to and from the event.
WAIVER & SIGN-UP REQUIRED!
- To sign your JG up for this event, log in to your account, click on "excursion" and complete the form (which includes the waiver). The Santa Barbara excursion will be posted user accounts closer to the event day.
- The entry form, meeting location, and directions are all found on the Santa Barbara Fiesta "excursion" form/waiver.
Monster Mile
Date: July 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
All JGs show up at the same time for Monster Mile. Monster Mile is a JG event that consists of a 1 mile run from the Balboa Pier to 10th Street and a 1 mile swim back. Each year Monster Mile has a different theme and JGs are encouraged to wear costumes! NO EARLY PICK-UP IS ALLOWED THIS DAY.
Each JG's participation in the swim portion of the Monster Mile is at the sole discretion of Junior Lifeguard staff. If it is determined a JG is not ready for the swim, they will be participating in a land-only course.
Regionals
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Regionals is an invite-only competitive event put on by CSLSA. JGs are selected for participation based on their competition results each week of JGs. JGs and their families are responsible for transportation to and from the event.
Graduation
Date: July 30, 2026
JGs arrive by: 5:15 p.m.
Event Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
On the final day of JGs we hold a graduation ceremony in the evening. The ceremony is held on the grassy area next to JGHQ (901 East Ocean Front). During the ceremony, special awards are distributed and JGs get to celebrate completing the NBJG program. JGs do not need to be in uniform. Attire is beach casual.