Junior Lifeguard Camp

If you love to swim and care about the safety of others, find your purpose as a Junior Lifeguard or Swim Instructor! Campers entering grades 8th–11th gain the technical and interpersonal skills required of a lifeguard and learn about water safety and swim instruction. Graduates of this camp will build confidence and improve leadership skills in and out of the pool. And have the opportunity to be a YMCA lifeguard in the future! 

Camp participants must demonstrate the ability to tread water for two minutes, swim 200 yards of varying strokes, and perform a dive up to 10 feet deep in the first class.


Ages: Youth entering 8th–11th grade in Fall of 2026.
Location: Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 North State St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Hours: 9am - 4pm. Drop-off between 8:30 - 9am, pick-up between 4 - 4:30pm.

Minis Camp Badge

Register for Junior Lifeguard Camp 

Week 1

June 15-19

Register 

Week 2

August 10-14

Register 


Find the Info You Need to Know

Learn more about this camp's hours, registration, financial assistance, and fees below. Read the complete list of answers to Summer Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions here.

Days: Monday through Friday

Hours: 9am - 4pm

This camp is for teens entering 8th–11th grade in Fall of 2026.

Yes, the Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching summer camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule.

Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days. 

Five-day weekly fees: Y Members, $325 | Community Members, $375

A deposit of $25 per week, per camper, is due upon registration. Payments are drafted on the Monday two weeks before each camp session. For example, for camp starting on June 22, payment will be drafted on June 8.

The Y is committed to ensuring all families access quality and enriching camp programs. The Y provides financial assistance and a sliding fee schedule. Please complete this quick form to learn more about financial assistance. Once the form is received, our staff will contact you within 3-5 business days. 

Membership Rate
An active YMCA membership is required at the time of camp registration to receive the member rate. The camper's Y membership must also remain active while the camper is enrolled and attending camp.

Junior Lifeguard Camp doesn't include any official lifeguard certification; however for those who complete the coursework and tests will be granted a CPR/AED certification through American Red Cross. This camp is designed to be stepping stone for those who are interested in becoming a lifeguard. 

The Whatcom Family YMCA does not impose contracts on participants, and participants are free to cancel programs at any time. Written notice is required to cancel a program. Participants must submit a cancellation request in writing via web form prior to their next scheduled draft date.

  • Non-Refundable Deposits
    • All deposits are non-refundable, regardless of when a camp is cancelled.
    • Deposits may be transferred between YMCA Day Camp programs through August 10 based on availability.
    • After June 1, deposits are no longer transferable and remain non-refundable.
  • Cancellation Deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the desired camp
    • All cancellations must be submitted by 14 calendar days prior to the first day of the specific camp.
    • Families who cancel by that date will receive a refund of all payments made minus the non-refundable deposit.
    • Cancellations received after that are not eligible for any refund, or credit, including deposit or tuition paid.
  • Camp Changes
    • Camp changes (including changing camp type or camp weeks) must be submitted not later than 14 business days prior to the camp, and are subject to availability.
    • Eligible changes may use an existing deposit only if requested with the appropriate timeline.
  • How to Submit Requests
    • All cancellation and change requests must be submitted through the official Camp cancellation form.
    • Verbal cancellations or cancellations submitted through other channels cannot be accepted.
  • Extenuating Circumstances
    • Exceptions to this policy may only be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the organization’s leadership.

Families may contact registrar@whatcomymca.org to discuss their unique situation.

We’re busy planning a whole new summer adventure for campers across Whatcom County. Check back in April for more details; we look forward to sharing a whole new summer of fun with your camper!

For registration questions, please email us at registrar@whatcomymca.org or call 360-255-0585.

For questions about the camp program, please email Jess at jredberg@whatcomymca.org