Required for all new Encinitas Junior Lifeguard participants.  All swim tests must be conducted by an on-duty Encinitas Lifeguard. We do NOT accept tests administered by any other lifeguard agency or pool / aquatic staff. We require a non-refundable and non-transferable $10.00 registration fee for all swim tests. You will not be allowed to take a swim test without prior registration. 

All returning Encinitas Junior Lifeguard participants who previously passed a swim test will be grandfathered in and will not be required to complete another swim test. If you have taken a swim test and successfully participated in the program in prior years, your records are already on file, and no further action is needed. 

Please have your child take swim lessons and/or prepare before attending a swim test. Those who do not practice or are not proficient in swimming, are unlikely to pass. We expect children to be proficient swimmers before attending a test and camp. We have adjusted swim times to reflect regional standards and meet program safety standards.  

Swim Test Requirements: 

1. 100-yard swim must be completed in or under; 

Ages 9-10: 2 minutes 30 seconds  

Ages 11-12: 2 minutes 20 seconds 

Ages 13-15: 2 minutes 10 seconds

2. 5-yard breath hold (wall to flags) 

3. 3-minute water tread 

If you fail to complete a swim test before the program, your registration will be removed and refunded with notification.  

2026 Swim Test dates are being finalized and will be announced prior to registration. 

Swim Test Location: 
Solana Beach Boys and Girls Club:533 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Solana Beach, CA 92075 

Please register here. Search "swim test" in the search bar and sort by date range.  

*Swim test times are booked in 1-hour increments. You must bring your child to the time that you booked, to ensure that your child gets tested. We aim to be as efficient as possible; however, line / waits may be present. *

All participants will receive a red JG shirt on the first day of the session. Boys are required to wear navy-blue swim trunks and girls are required to wear a navy-blue swimsuit. Required uniforms may be purchased at swim tests, or online. All attire must be athletic in nature and not revealing. All participants in the A-Group (13-17) are required to have surf fins (Yucca and DaFin are the most popular brands). 

Original Watermen is the preferred uniform supplier for the Encinitas Junior Lifeguards. Watermen brand will be at the swim tests for uniform purchase. They will also be at the first day of each session, primarily for exchanges and returns. Please purchase your uniforms in advance. 

Watermen also invites you to order online or visit the warehouse, Mon-Friday, 9am-4pm @ 1198 Joshua Way, Vista, CA. 92081. 
 
Payment:  
Cash, credit, debit and check. (No other payment methods will be accepted) 

How to order online:  
1.    Log on to www.originalwatermen.com 
2.   Click “My Account, then Create an Account” then input your personal information and password. 
3.    Lifeguard Association special password:  ejl 
4.    Click Submit 
5.  Click the blue box at the top of the screen that says “Welcome to Watermen” 

How to Video:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYPjF3mVAsE&t=25s (Mobile Version) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFx_PcUVmpw&t=50s (Desktop Version) 

If you are interested in becoming a Lifeguard or a Junior Lifeguard Aide, you’re in the right place. The Junior Lifeguard Aide Program provides an introduction to the lifeguard profession and helps participants develop foundational skills and experience in preparation for becoming a lifeguard at age 18. 

To volunteer you must be between the ages of 15-17 and have had at least one-year experience in the junior lifeguard program.  Please send an email to the Junior Lifeguard Coordinator at encjrguards@encinitasca.gov with your name and contact information and desired session date(s) and times. 

On the first day of your session, you will meet with an assigned Junior Lifeguard Instructor at 8:15 AM or 12:15 PM, depending on session start time.  You will be required to pass a Run-Swim-Run test that consists of a quarter mile run, 500-yard swim, and another quarter mile run, for completion.  

Fins are required for the program. Please wear a navy-blue swim-suit athletic in nature, conservative in style, or navy blue boardshorts. You will be issued a blue aide shirt on your first day. Navy blue shorts for females are also highly desirable. Aides must wear all navy blue in color. 

At the end of summer, upon request, we can provide a letter documenting your volunteer hours for community service.  

Cost: $10 Resident 

Aides who live outside of Encinitas will be charged an additional fee. 

Course: 11908 

Drop off and pick up take place in the Moonlight Beach Parking Lot.   

Please do not block traffic, illegally park, or block emergency access while dropping off your child, you will be at risk of being cited.  

Your child’s safety is our priory, please be patient and follow our expectations.