Competitions and Events

JUNIOR GUARDS COMPETITION PHILOSOPHY

         The biggest events of the summer for the Junior Guard Program are the competitions between beaches. The Capitola Junior Lifeguard program believes in creating healthy and fun competitions for our participants. Therefore, it is important to share our competitive philosophy with all Junior Guards, Little Guards, parents and constituents. In every competition, there will be several open events, and team relay events. Open events are open to all competitors from every agency, and relay events have a limited number of entries depending on the event and the competition. Some injuries / other circumstances may prevent some Guards from competing in certain events on the day of the competition, but the training and conditioning provided by our program prepares Junior Guards/Little Guards to participate in every event. We expect most Junior Guards/Little Guards to compete in all open events. Little Guards are being introduced to healthy competition, and are taught to give their best effort during all events and activities, but the primary focus is on participation. We make an effort to include every Little Guard in a minimum of one team relay. 
          In Junior Guards, divisions C’s – AA’s, the focus is more competitive. The goal is to place as high as possible and score the maximum amount of points for the team. That being said, win or lose, we as a team know that we have to put forth our best effort. Instructors spend hours training the Junior Guards for the events, reviewing practice times, and putting together the most competitive teams. Not every Junior Guard is able to compete in team events, particularly in large divisions such as C’s. In the case of large divisions, we will do our best to create as many heats of different competitors as the competition will allow. We understand, and take into account, that attitude and determination play a significant role in competitive success, but in a race to the finish line, speed and technique has a significant impact as well. Please understand that the decision to include or not include a Junior Guard in a team event is not something instructors take lightly, and that we do our very best to support the success of all Junior Guards. Thank you for understanding, and we will see you out there!

JUNIOR GUARD COMPETITIONS 2024

BATTLE OF THE BEACHES     

Battle of the Beaches is held at Capitola Beach: June 25th (Little Guards) and June 26th (C's-U19's). Junior Guards should arrive at Capitola Beach at 9:00 AM. Competition events run from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

NOR CALS     

The NorCals Competetition is held at Santa Cruz Main Beach, July 17 (Little Guards) and July 18th (C's-U19). Junior Guards should arrive at Santa Cruz Main Beach at 9:00 AM. Competition events run from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

REGIONALS     

The California Surf Lifesaving Junior Lifeguard Championship, or "Regionals", will be held at Dockweiler Beach in LA, on July 26. Qualification for the Regionals competition is restricted to C's-U-19's who participated in the first session. Junior Guards who qualify to participate in the Regionals competition will be posted down at Capitola Beach by the main tent. The Capitola Junior Guard Program will not provide transportation / lodging for Junior Guards who compete. 

JUNIOR GUARDS EVENTS 2024

AWARD CEREMONY    (July 5 and Aug 2, 2024, 6:00 PM, Jade Street Park)

The Junior Guards award Ceremony is hosted on the last day of each session of the Junior Guards program. Here, the Junior Guard instructors will introduce themselves, give a few speeches about the session, and will give out special awards to Junior Guards who have earned them over the course of the session. Alongside the ceremony, a raffle hosted by parents club will take place, and parents and participants will have the opportunity to enter and win prizes!

ALUMNI COMPETITION    (July 11, 2024, 4:00 PM, Capitola Beach)

A fun event that fosters community spirit, camaraderie, and fun. This event welcomes back Capitola's Junior Guard Alumni to compete alongside current program parents in various classic beach and ocean challenges. It's a great opportunity to relive old memories, create new ones, and engage in friendly competition.

FAMILY SWIM   (Jul 03, 2024, 4:30 PM. Hooper Beach, Upcoast side Capitola Pier)

All Jr Guards families are invited to swim or paddle around the Capitola pier with their Jr. Guards, while JG Instructors guide and cheer you along. Look for the Team Tola tent.