Youth Programs
PlayLA Learn to Surf
Learn to Surf is a program designed for youth to learn basic oceanic safety through surf education.
Transportation may be provided to and from the beach if needed.
- Transportation pick-up begins: 7AM
- Estimated arrival at beach: 9AM
- Departure from beach: 1PM
- Arrival at pick-up site: 3PM
All necessary equipment will be provided to participants which include surfboards, wetsuits, rash guard, T-shirt & shorts.
Participants will learn:
- Identification of hazards at the beach
- Body surfing
- Paddling in & around the surf zone
- Popping up
Program Requirements:
- Age 9-17
- Swim 100 yards prior to registration
PlayLA Adaptive Para Surf
Adaptive Para Surf is a program that lets youth—regardless of ability—experience the fun of surfing while learning basic ocean safety.
All necessary equipment will be provided to participants, including adaptive surfboards, wetsuits, and sun shirts.
Participants will enjoy:
- An assisted and supported surf session on a board within the surf zone, tailored to beach conditions
Program Requirements:
- Age 9-17
Play LA Small Crafts: Learn to Kayak
Learn to Kayak is a program designed for youth to learn basic kayaking skills through kayak education.
Transportation may be provided to and from the assigned location if needed.
All necessary equipment will be provided to participants which include kayak, life vest, oars, and T-shirt.
Participants will learn:
- Identify parts of a kayak
- Launching a kayak
- Basic navigation skills
- Introduction to knot tying
- Steering and paddling safety
- Paddling in an open water environment
- Identification of hazards in the water
- Team building exercises
- and more!
PlayLA Small Crafts: Learn to Stand-Up Paddle Board
Learn to Stand Up Paddle is a program designed for youth to learn basic SUP skills through education and on-site instruction.
All necessary equipment will be provided to participants which includes a Paddle board, a life vest, and an oar. Each participant will also receive a T-shirt.
Participants will learn:
- Identify parts of a SUP Board
- Launching a SUP board
- Basic navigation skills
- Introduction to the appropriate types of life jackets and equipment
- Steering and paddling safety
- Paddling in an open water environment
- Identification of hazards in the water
- Team building exercises
- and more!
Poolside Junior Lifeguard Program
The Junior Lifeguard Program is offered to participants ages 9 through 17. Junior Lifeguards are introduced to skills that form the basis of Lifeguard Training for the City of Los Angeles. Driven by the Mission of Aquatics, this program instills principles and inspires youth to one day seek employment at our pools. The primary objective is teaching Jr. Lifeguards the importance of safety in the aquatic environment and the value of teamwork.
Participants will learn:
- Jr Lifeguard Pool Skills
- Water safety
- Intro to CPR, First Aid, emergency response
- Snorkeling
- Small Crafts – Intro prone paddling, knee paddling, stand-up paddling, kayaking
- Identification of hazards in the water
- Team building
- Volunteerism
- Swim-lesson assisting
Program Age
- Juniors: 9 – 13 yrs
- Seniors: 14 – 17 yrs
Qualifications:
- Previously participated in a LA City Aquatic Program
- OR completed an exit exam for ARC Intermediate Level Swim Lessons
- All candidates must complete a 100-yard continuous swim assessment at a year-round facility or at a lifeguard swim test
Competitive events:
- Rescue board relays
- Run-swim-run
- Open-water buoy swims
- Rescue swim relays
- Beach flags
Additional Information:
Pool Junior Lifeguard FlyerOpen Water Junior Lifeguard
The Junior Lifeguard Program is a seven-week program designed to provide children, ages 9–17, with a well-rounded experience of knowledge, skills, and the lifestyle of an Open Water Lifeguard. All participants will be engaged in physical activities in the water and on dry land, with an emphasis on learning, maturing, self-respect, and respect for others.
Locations: Cabrillo Beach / Hansen Dam Aquatic Center
Participants will learn:
- Jr Lifeguard Conditioning
- Open-water swimming, distance
- Sand running
- Open Water Skills
- Prone paddling, knee paddling, stand-up paddling
- Kayaking, snorkeling, and
- Intro to surfing
- Identification of hazards in the water
- Team-building exercises and more!
Days:
Monday – Friday
Hours:
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Program Age Divisions (CO-ED):
- AA: 16-17 years
- A: 14-15 years
- B: 12-13 years
- C: 9-11 year
Competitive events:
- Rescue board relays
- Run-swim-run
- Open-water buoy swims
- Rescue swim relays
- Beach flags
Additional Information:
Cabrillo Beach JGs Flyer Hansen Dam JGs Flyer
Camp Splash
Camp Splash consists of 8-hour days, Monday - Friday. Campers will get to engage in group swim lessons, fun group activities, fitness activities, arts and crafts, field trips and so much more! Lunch will be provided at qualifying locations. Youth are welcome to bring their own packed lunches.
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Program Requirements:
- Ages 7-12
- No prior swimming skills required
- Loves the water
Activities:
- Small group swim lessons provided daily
- Water group activities/games
- Water safety lessons
- Arts and crafts
- Bi weekly field trips
- Team building
Additional Information:
- Qualifying locations will have lunch provided