Pass the Junior Lifeguard Test with Us!

  • Receive Endurance and Speed Training

  • Fix Bad Freestyle Technique

  • Learn Proper Breathing

  • Learn 100 Yard Race Strategy

  • Improve Wall Push Offs and Flip Turns

Swimphi provides private lessons and classes designed to assist swimmers in successfully passing the Junior Lifeguard Test. Our main focus is on providing comprehensive training in technique and endurance to help swimmers achieve qualifying times within their age groups. Participants will receive additional coaching on essential aspects such as proper breathing, turns, and race strategy. For optimal preparation, we recommend starting training in December, providing a four-month practice window before the tests commence in April/May.

Swimphi provides private swimming lessons to the Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Marina Del Rey, and El Segundo communities near LAX.


IMPORTANT - Don’t wait until the last minute! Every year, we see children joining our program in March with a test scheduled for April. To the right is a real example showing how much time we need to shave off in a very short period. Please sign up early. Worst case scenario, your child can pass the test now and then maintain their skills until the actual test.


We offer both Junior Lifeguard (JLG) Private Lessons and Group Classes.

Which is best for my child: Private Lessons or Group Classes? If your child needs improvement in freestyle technique or is 20 seconds or more off the test time, we strongly recommend starting with private lessons. Once they build a solid foundation, it’s a good idea to transition into group classes. For strong swimmers within 10 seconds of the qualifying time, group classes are an excellent fit.


Junior Lifeguard Private Lessons

Prerequisite: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards Freestyle without stopping.

Where: Burns Recreation Center, 1 LMU Drive MS 8500, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Directions, Parking and Pool access can be found here.

When: Enrollment is open! Classes are offered November through May on Sunday afternoons.

Ages: 8 years and up.

Equipment needed: Swim suit, goggles and swimming cap (if you have long hair). Equipment recommendations can be found at our Shop.

Price: $55.00 per 30-minute class (billed monthly). Lessons are a recurring monthly membership and are billed at the beginning of each month (the first month is prorated). The price is calculated and billed for the number of classes that month. For example, your class is on a Monday and there are 5 Mondays in the month. Price of class x number of classes in that month = amount billed for that month.

Annual Registration Fee: There is a $30 annual registration fee per student collected at initial registration and annually on the anniversary month.


Junior Lifeguard Group Classes

Prerequisite: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 yards Freestyle without stopping.

Where: Burns Recreation Center, 1 LMU Drive MS 8500, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Directions, Parking and Pool access can be found here.

When: Enrollment is now open! Classes are available from December through May on Sundays 4pm-5pm, with an additional weekday class coming in the New Year.

Ages: 8 years and up.

Equipment needed: Swim suit, goggles and swimming cap (if you have long hair). Equipment recommendations can be found at our Shop.

Price: $25.00 per 60-minute class (billed monthly). Lessons are a recurring monthly membership and are billed at the beginning of each month (the first month is prorated). The price is calculated and billed for the number of classes that month. For example, your class is on a Monday and there are 5 Mondays in the month. Price of class x number of classes in that month = amount billed for that month.

Annual Registration Fee: There is a $30 annual registration fee per student collected at initial registration and annually on the anniversary month.


It's important to be aware that some local cities offer Junior Lifeguard Prep classes, often accommodating a large number of children in each session. Unfortunately, due to high student-teacher ratios, these classes tend to focus primarily on covering extensive yardage without dedicating sufficient time to refining swimming techniques. Consequently, many participants face challenges in passing the test, often attributed to inadequate attention to technique. If you find yourself enrolled in one of these programs, it is highly beneficial to consider registering for our weekly private lessons, where individualized attention ensures a focus on both yardage and technique, significantly enhancing your chances of success in the Junior Lifeguard Test.

Junior Lifeguard Summer Camp

The Junior Lifeguard Program, hosted each summer by the LA County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division, requires participants to pass a challenging swim test to qualify. For more information about the program and the latest details on eligibility and testing, please visit: https://fire.lacounty.gov/junior-lifeguard-program/

In order to become a JG, your child must complete a 100-yard pool swim test under:

1:50 minute for 9-11 year olds - C Group

1:40 minute for 12-13 year olds - B Group

1:30 minute for 14-17 year olds - A Group

JLG swim tests will be in March and April. We suggest kids start swimming in February to give them enough time to train to achieve the qualifying time. They need at least 3 solid months of training and technique instruction to have a chance at making the qualifying time. We also recommend your child to be ready by the first test date because the sooner a child passes, the more likely he/she will be assigned to their beach of choice. (First come, first served.)