Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards
A summer ocean program on the beach for kids 6 to 17, running since 2001.
- Ages
- 6 to 17, in four groups
- When
- Summer, in two three-week sessions, 9 a.m. to noon (2026)
- Cost
- $475 a session or $850 for both (2026)
- Tryout
- One-time swim tryout for new kids 9 and up
Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards is a summer program that has taught local and visiting kids ocean skills on Avila's beach since 2001. Kids spend the morning swimming, running, paddling and learning water safety. The goal is to build their confidence in and around the sea. The older groups train toward real lifeguard skills.
Age groups and swim times
Kids are grouped by age. Everyone 9 and older has to swim 100 yards in a set time to join. These are the 2026 groups:
- Menehune Beach Camp, ages 6 to 8. A beach camp for younger kids, Monday to Friday, with no swim test. It has 40 spots per session.
- C Group, ages 9 to 11. 100 yards in 2 minutes 20 seconds.
- B Group, ages 12 and 13. 100 yards in 2 minutes or less.
- A and AA Groups, ages 14 to 17. 100 yards in 1 minute 40 seconds. The oldest group, called the Academy, focuses on lifeguard-level training.
The program calls the swim times firm, so a kid who misses the time can try again the next year.
Tryouts
New families with kids 9 to 17 have to come to a tryout once. After that, returning kids don't need to try out again. Menehunes don't try out. Tryout dates and rules are posted on the program website each spring.
Sessions and fees
The program runs two three-week sessions each summer, mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. In 2026, Session 1 ran June 22 to July 10 and Session 2 started July 13, with no meeting on the Fourth of July. One session was $475 per child, and both sessions together were $850. Payment is online only, with no cash or checks. There's a limited six-week option too.
Dates and prices for next summer go up on the program's site, along with the refund policy and scholarship form. Questions go to the program by email at ContactABJGS@gmail.com.
If you're visiting for the summer
Families who rent in Avila for a few weeks can sign up too, as long as there's room and the swim time is met. Session 1 lines up with late June and early July, which is also a busy time for vacation rentals, so book both early. On the days your kid is in the program, the rest of the family can spend the morning on the main beach or find more ideas on With Kids.
Local tips
- Sign up early in the year. Each session has room for 160 junior guards and 40 Menehunes, and registration closes when it fills.
- Practice the timed 100-yard swim in a pool before tryouts, since the minimum times are firm.
- Ask about scholarships. The Avila Beach Community Foundation gives the program a grant each year to help families pay.
- Send a wetsuit if your kid has one. Avila's water stays cool even in July.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be for Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards?
Kids 6 to 8 join the Menehune beach camp. Kids 9 to 17 join the junior guard groups after passing a swim tryout.
How fast do kids need to swim for junior lifeguards?
For 2026, the minimums for 100 yards were 2:20 for ages 9 to 11, 2:00 for ages 12 and 13, and 1:40 for ages 14 to 17.
How much does Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards cost?
In 2026 it was $475 per child for one session or $850 for both. The program doesn't take cash or checks.
When is Avila Beach Junior Lifeguards?
It runs in summer in two three-week sessions, mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. In 2026 the first session started June 22. Check the program's website for next summer's dates.
