The Junior Lifeguard Program is a program offered to youth, ages 6 to 17. Since 1985, the goal of the program has been to teach ocean safety skills. Training activities are consistent with ocean lifeguard requirements, including running, swimming, paddle board use, kayak paddling, rescue buoy technique, shallow-water entry, and surf dash approach training. Recreational activities, such as volleyball, kickball, dodge ball, snorkeling, and beach flags, are also a part of the program.

The basic requirements for participation in the Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue (FLOR) Junior Lifeguard Program are as follows:

1. Ability to successfully complete swim test.
2. Ability to tread water for a minimum of five minutes.
3. Ability to swim continuously under water.

2026 Junior Lifeguard Program Dates:

D group session: June 8^th - 12^th 8am- 10am (only for participants 6 – 8 years old)

Session 1: June 15^th - 26^th 8am - 12pm (Ages 9-17)

Session 2: July 6^th - 17^th 8am - 12pm (Ages 9-17)

Competition practice week: July 27^th - 31^st 8am- 10am (Ages 6-17)

D group session is the only offering for ages 6-8 years old, unless they are participating in the Competition Practice week. 

Competition practice week is for participants registered for the Junior Lifeguard Regional Competition or the Junior Lifeguard Nationals Competition.  

Junior Lifeguard Nationals will be held at Fort Lauderdale Beach, August 4, 2026. 

Registration:

To register, please fill out the Program Registration Form as well as the Uniform Order Form.

Each participant must have their own registration form, please do not include more than one participant on each form.

To confirm your child's spot in the program they must complete the entry swim test at one of the dates provided below. 

juniorlifeguards@fortlauderdale.gov

Swim Test Dates: 

March 28^th, 2026: Saturday 8am – 10am

April 3^rd, 2026: Friday 8am – 10am

April 4^th, 2026: Saturday 8am – 10am

May 16^th, 2026: Saturday 8am – 10am

Swim tests will be held at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center: 501 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cost Of Program: Dependent on session(s) selected

D Session: $125

Session 1: $200

Session 2: $200 

Competition week: $125

Early Bird Discount: Registrants before March 28^th, 2026, receive $25 dollars off session price.

Late registrations: After June 1^st, 2026, cost of sessions increases by $25

Payment: Check or Money Order payable to the City of Fort Lauderdale

We do not accept credit card or cash payments for this program. 

Payment will be accepted following the successful completion of the participants’ swim test.

Location: Training is held at Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lifeguard Tower 1

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
1100 Seabreeze Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Contact Information

juniorlifeguards@fortlauderdale.gov

Phone: 954-828-4595

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