“In the waves of change, we find our direction” ___Anonymous
SOUTHAMPTON VILLAGE OCEAN RESCUE
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD
OCEAN TRAINING PROGRAMS
Coopers Beach
Southampton
Grom Squad • Juniors / Cadets
AGES 8-15
TURN UP THE VOLUME
SVOR JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAMS
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Grom Squad • 8-13 year olds
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Juniors / Cadets • 11-15 year olds
Overlapping Ages
Please Note: The Juniors / Cadets Program is more rigorous than the Grom Squad, requires stronger swimming skills, and has a firm minimum age requirement of 11. SVOR will determine at the evaluation which junior lifeguard program matches your child's ability.
(If your child meets the requirements for the Juniors but wants to be with their friends in the Grom Squad we will be able to accommodate that request.)
Overview
SVOR Junior Lifeguard Programs are designed to improve ocean swimming techniques with an emphasis on ocean safety. Participants learn the fundamentals lifeguarding through fun engaging activities modeled after lifeguard competition events. The programs combine a healthy competitive spirit with a supportive, nurturing environment to help each participant grow at their own pace.
Juniors & Cadets will train in the ocean as long as conditions permit.
Grom Squad will enter the water only on calm days to ensure safety; however, we make every effort to maximize the Groms time in the ocean whenever conditions are optimal, and we always find creative ways to work around poor conditions to keep them active and learning.
The programs emphasize ocean awareness, confidence, and skill development. Participation is always encouraged but never forced—those who choose not to join a specific activity must remain with the group or a designated instructor.
Specifics
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD GROM SQUAD PROGRAM
GROM SQUAD (Ages 8 -13)
The Grom Squad Program is an introduction for young participants to learn ocean safety, basic rescue techniques, and participate in beach activities in a fun and engaging environment. With an emphasis on enjoyment and hands-on learning, children will gain important knowledge about rip currents, ocean hazards, and essential safety skills—all while developing a deeper appreciation for the beach. The program also offers insight into the vital role of lifeguards, inspiring respect and interest. The main goal is to build a strong foundation of water safety and ocean awareness through excitement, friendship, and active exploration.
Participants will be grouped by age and ability to ensure appropriate instruction and a positive experience for all
2026 Course Dates:
Saturdays - 8:30AM - 10:30AM
(except the last session is on a Sunday)
July 11
July 18
July 25
August 1
August 9 - Sunday
Grom Squad
MIni-Tournament Coopers
The following skills will be taught:
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Ocean Swimming (only on calm days)
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Beach Run
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Flag Colors / Meaning
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Rip Current Education
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Beach Flags
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Relay Races
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Basic Lifeguard Rescue Techniques (no carries)
SVOR Junior Lifeguard Grom Squad Program is $150
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Payment is due after the evaluation or on the first day the participant attends the program
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Checks should be made to the Village of Southampton, in the memo please write, "for SVOR Grom Squad"
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Rashguard is included with the fee (to be given at the last session)
Sign-In
Parents must sign-in for each child at each session
Evaluations • GROM SQUAD PROGRAM (Age 8 -13)
Location: Southampton Youth Services • Pool
Address: 1370A Majors Path, Southampton
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Evaluation Dates: (Choose One):
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Saturday, June 20
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Saturday, June 27
Please attend only ONE evaluation date.
If you also have older children in the SVOR Juniors / Cadets Program (ages 11–15) you’re welcome to bring them to the evaluation at Southampton Bath & Tennis (see times & dates below)
—please let us know in advance.
We’re happy to evaluate all your children together for convenience.
*Evaluation skills required to qualify for the Grom Squad Program:
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54 yd Swim continuously (any stroke)
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Tread Water for 5 mins
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Retrieve a Brick from Bottom of a 5' Pool
Re-Evaluation Guidelines:
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Re-evaluations will only be required for those moving from Groms to Juniors.
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If your child attended any other junior lifeguard program not provided by SVOR, your child NEEDS to be evaluated by SVOR. (We apologize for this inconvenience. It's a safety issue!)
(see Juniors / Cadet evaluation)
-
Bring a towel to the evaluation
Please Note: The Juniors / Cadets Program is more rigorous than the Grom Squad, requires stronger swimming skills, and has a firm minimum age requirement of 11. SVOR will determine at the evaluation which junior lifeguard program matches your child's ability.
SWIM PREP
If you are local want to get your child ready for the SVOR Junior Lifeguard Program please reach out and we will refer you to a swim coach.
Scroll down to the bottom for contact info.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD & CADET PROGRAM
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD (Age 11 - 14)
SVOR Junior Lifeguards
The SVOR Junior Lifeguard Program trains participants in water safety and ocean awareness. Individuals will build open water swimming skills, gain confidence entering and exiting the ocean and learn rescue techniques needed to become a future lifeguard. Junior Lifeguards also have the opportunity to compete at local competitions.
CADET PROGRAM (Age 15)
SVOR Cadets
The SVOR Lifeguard Cadet course is uniquely designed for 15 year-olds who have taken the Junior Lifeguard Program and want to continue. This class promotes beach safety and awareness, trains individuals to become future ocean lifeguards. 15 year olds are eligible to become Red Cross pool or Bayfront lifeguards and are encouraged to pursue receiving an ocean lifeguard certification upon turning 16. Junior/Cadets also have the opportunity to compete at local competitions.
Please let us know if your 15 year old would like to be certified at the end of the summer, as a still water bay front (& pool) lifeguard.
Participants in the Junior / Cadets Program will be in the water most of the sessions, unless conditions are prohibitive.
On more challenging days, as a safety measure, the focus shifts to entries and exits of the ocean with close supervision.
2026 Course Dates: (waiting on verification of exact Junior / Cadet program dates)
Saturdays - 8:30AM - 10:30AM
(except the first session is on a Sunday)
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July 5 - Sunday
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July 11
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July 18
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July 25
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August 1 -
Jr. Lifeguard Tournament
Southampton Town
Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
8:30AM-12:00PM (approximate end time)
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD TOURNAMENT
We are building a strong team to
compete in the Southampton
Jr Lifeguard Tournament
August 1st, 2026
The following skills will be taught:
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Ocean Swimming
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Beach Run
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Flag Colors/Meaning
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Rip Current Education
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Swimming with a Rescue Tube/Torpedo
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Beach Flags
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Rescue Board Rescue
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Rescue Board Race
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Swim Rescue Race
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Lifeguard Rescues (cross chest carry & yoke)
Rain or Shine
(No one will be permitted to go in the water
if there is lightning)
During stormy conditions the program is held
under the pavilion at Coopers
SVOR Junior Lifeguard / Cadet Program is $150
-
Payment is due after the evaluation or on the first day of the participant attends the program.
-
Checks should be made to the Village of Southampton, in the memo please write, "for SVOR Jr Lifeguard / Cadet Program"
*Rashguard is included with the fee (to be given at the last session)
Sign-In
Parents must sign-in for each child at each session
Evaluations • JUNIOR / CADET PROGRAM (Age 11 -15)
Location: Southampton Bath & Tennis Club • Pool
Address: 212 Gin Lane, Southampton
Time: 7:00 AM
Evaluation Dates: (Choose One):
-
Saturday, June 20
-
Saturday, June 27
Please attend only ONE evaluation date.
Re-Evaluation Guidelines:
-
Re-evaluations will only be required for those moving from Groms to Juniors.
-
If your child attended any other junior lifeguard program not provided by SVOR, your child NEEDS to be evaluated by SVOR. (We apologize for this inconvenience. It's a safety issue!)
(see Juniors / Cadet evaluation)
-
Bring a towel to the evaluation
*Evaluation Skills Required to Qualify for the Juniors / Cadets
Program:
-
100 yd Swim continuously (any stroke)
-
Must know how to swim free-style (crawl)
-
Tread Water for 5 mins
-
Retrieve a Brick from Bottom of a 9' Pool
Please Note: The Juniors / Cadets Program is more rigorous than the Grom Squad, requires stronger swimming skills, and has a firm minimum age requirement of 11. SVOR will determine at the evaluation which junior lifeguard program matches your child's ability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Parking Permits – No parking permit needed. We will provide a temporary placard to park during the program if needed.
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Participants do NOT need to be Southampton residents to enroll in the SVOR Junior Lifeguard programs
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Wetsuits are not commonly worn but are allowed
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Floaties & Lifejackets are NOT allowed