Junior Lifeguard Program Celebrates Summer Success
    Junior Lifeguard Program Celebrates Summer Success
    City Media Releases

    Junior Lifeguard Program Celebrates Summer Success

    The program had not been offered since 2019

    TEMPLE, TX (July 31, 2026) – This summer, the City of Temple Parks and Recreation Department Aquatics Division hosted its Junior Lifeguard Program for the first time since 2019. The program is designed for youth ages 11-14 who are not yet old enough to become certified lifeguards but are interested in learning the skills and responsibilities of the profession.
    Following the American Red Cross Junior Lifeguarding curriculum, participants receive instruction in water safety, rescue techniques, teamwork, leadership and professionalism. The two-week program also provides participants with the opportunity to shadow certified lifeguards and gain firsthand experience in a real aquatic facility at Lions Junction.

    The City of Temple is proud to provide programs that teach lifelong skills while creating positive experiences for local youth. The Junior Lifeguard Program not only strengthens participants' swimming and water safety abilities but also encourages leadership, confidence and a spirit of service. Watching participants grow over the course of the program and seeing many express excitement about becoming future City lifeguards has made this year's return especially rewarding.

    Claryce Free, Aquatics Program Manager

    Due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19, the Junior Lifeguard Program was paused after the summer of 2019. As staffing levels recovered, the department was able to reintroduce the program in 2026 with a strong team of experienced lifeguards.
    The program is led by American Red Cross-certified Lifeguard Instructors who work at City of Temple aquatic facilities. The instructors bring years of practical experience and serve as mentors, helping participants develop both technical skills and confidence in and around the water. 
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    The program helps build a culture of water safety while developing future leaders within the community. Participants gain valuable life skills, including responsibility, teamwork, communication and problem-solving that extend well beyond the pool. 
    Temple lies in a region that has a higher than the national average drowning rate, so every opportunity to learn to be safe in and around the water is immeasurable in importance.

    One of the goals we are working on in our division right now is the importance of water safety and sharing it with our community. We partner with the American Red Cross through their Centennial Campaign for Swim Lesson Scholarships each year ... and this program is another way to share the importance of water safety and fill the gaps between swim lessons and lifeguarding.

    Claryce Free, Aquatics Program Manager

    The 2026 Junior Lifeguard Program was offered during four two-week sessions throughout the summer, providing multiple opportunities for participants to enroll and experience the program. This summer's program reached capacity for all four sessions, showing the community's enthusiastic support of water safety education.
    With this year's program being so successful, residents should plan to look for the program next summer. Registration for the 2027 Junior Lifeguard Program will open May 3 as part of the City's summer program registration schedule. While participants are not required to have prior lifeguarding experience, they should possess basic swimming skills and be ready to actively participate in both classroom and in-water activities.
    To learn more about the City of Temple's aquatics programming, visit templeparks.com/aquatics.