Program Alert:
The Junior Lifeguard program will return for the Summer of 2026 at all four City of Scottsdale Aquatic Centers!
Program Overview:
The Junior Lifeguard Program is designed to introduce and foster the skills and attributes necessary to become a successful future lifeguard and swim lesson instructor.
Areas of focus include:
- Accident prevention strategies
- Physical fitness
- Incident and emergency response
- Leadership development
- Communication and time management
- Professionalism in an aquatic workplace
The program combines weekly instructional classes with required volunteer hours to enhance participant knowledge and provide hands-on experience in a professional aquatic environment.
Please Note: This program does not certify participants as lifeguards or swim lesson instructors.
Participants who successfully complete the Junior Lifeguard Program may be eligible to attend a City of Scottsdale StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Certification class at no additional cost, if additional conditions are met. (see details below)
Program Locations:
Cactus Aquatic and Fitness Center
Chaparral Aquatic Center
Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center
Program Prerequisites:
- Must be 13 to 15 years old
- Swim 100 yards freestyle continuously
- Tread water for one (1) minute
- Retrieve a 10-pound diving brick from the deep end of the pool
Junior Lifeguard → StarGuard Elite Certification Opportunity
Junior Lifeguard participants who meet the criteria below will be eligible to attend a City of Scottsdale StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Certification class within one year at no additional cost.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Successful completion of the Junior Lifeguard Program
- Completion of 30 volunteer hours
- Recommendation from the Junior Lifeguard Program Supervisor at the site attended
Important: Enrollment in a City of Scottsdale StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Certification class requires participants to be 15 years old by the last day of the certification class.
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026