Pass the Junior Lifeguard Test!

  • 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 specializes in private lessons and classes tailored to help swimmers pass the Junior Lifeguard Test. Our approach emphasizes thorough training in swimming techniques and endurance, aiming to help participants meet the qualifying times for their age categories. We also offer coaching on crucial skills like effective breathing, turning, and race strategy. For the best results, we suggest beginning your training in December, which gives you a four-month period to prepare before the tests start in March and April.

Swimphi caters to private swimming lessons and classes for residents in Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley.

Feel free to share this information with other families who might be interested in Junior Lifeguard preparation.

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 in Westchester.

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.
For more information about each location, please click on the respective links:

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.


If there's a community where you'd like us to introduce this program, please let us know. You can reach out to us through our contact page. Thank you.

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.)