Who we are

We are the parents, community members, coaches and mentors supporting the City of Santa Cruz’s amazing junior lifeguard program. Providing ocean safety training for over 1,000 kids each summer is no small task; the SCJG Boosters ensure that City staff have the resources, volunteers, equipment, and support to make it happen. Our goal is to ensure that the SCJG program has everything it needs to continue being an essential, foundational part of the Santa Cruz community and the lives of Santa Cruz’s youth. 

Little Guards: 6-8 years old
Junior Guard C's: 9-11 years old
JG B's: 12-13 years old
JG A's: 14-15 years old
JG AA's: 16-17 years old

WHAT WE DO

The SCJG Boosters do the ‘little things’ that make the SCJG program special. Our fundraising and organizational efforts support the program by providing
  • Team gear and apparel
  • State-of-the-art racing and training equipment
  • JG Scholarships
  • Local, national and international competition assistance
  • An international exchange program 
  • Dedicated JG community events


Join Us

The SCJG program relies on the Booster Club for much of what makes the summer special; the Booster Club relies on volunteers. Our parents and community members make time in their busy schedules to organize events, sell team merch, arrange special trainings, and make the SCJG program experience unique. 
We usually meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm in the conference room at the offices of Parks and Rec at 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz. To be added to our email list for volunteer opportunities and announcements, contact us at scjgboosters@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram.
Come join us, on the Boosters and on the beach!

2025 EVENTS

  • JG Summer Jam Welcome Party on the Wharf – June 6, 2025, Santa Cruz Wharf, 5-8pm
  • Session 1: June 9, 2025 - July 3, 2025 (no program June 19 or July 4). Gear sale first day of session.
  • Capitola Comp- June 24/25, 2025.
  • Session 2:  July 7, 2025- August 1, 2025. Gear sale first day of session.
  • Norcal Comp, Main Beach – July 16/17th
  • 2025 CSLSA Regional Championships: July 25-26, 2025 –Dockweiler Beach
  • End of Season Banquet – August 1, 2025 – Harvey West Park Clubhouse
  • USLA National Championships: Aug 6-9, 2025, Huntington State Beach

FOPAR Scholarships

Awards are based on a number of factors, including number of applicants, program costs, financial need and other variables.

The Summer 2025 Scholarship Application is now closed.

Visit the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation website for more information.

Sponsors

SCJG PARTNERS AND AFFILIATIONS

City of Santa Cruz Parks and Rec
FOPAR – https://friendsofparksandrec.org/ 
Santa Cruz Surf Lifesaving Association- @scsls.a
WestCliff Surf Lifesaving Club- @westcliffsurflifesavingclub
SC City Fire – https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/fire-department/marine-safety-division
USLA – United States Lifesaving Association (usla.org)
CSLSA – California Surf Lifesaving Association | Learn to Swim - Respect the Beach - Lifeguards for Life! (cslsa.org)