Dear Junior Guard Parents,

I am pleased to be working with you and your children this 2010 summer season!  Whether you are new to the program, or one of the program’s veteran families, my goals are to exceed your expectations and create a safe, fun, and instructive environment for your children.  As the new Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator, I am closely working with the instructors you may already know to bring you another successful Junior Guard summer!  As I introduce myself, I would also like to share with you a few adjustments being implemented this year to enrich your experience; so read on…

I was introduced to the ocean as a young girl visiting the coastlines of California, but didn’t have the opportunity to live by the beach till I went to high school.  As my acceptance to UCSD for my undergraduate degree in 2000 became a reality, I also realized that I needed a source of income.  A tour of the La Jolla Shores lifeguard tower on foggy spring day in 2000 became my inspiration.  As a lifeguard, I learned respect for the ocean, I was able to develop my interest in helping others, and most importantly, I discovered my passion; surfing!  In 2003 I graduated from UCSD with a degree in Cognitive Science.  I currently work as a tech in the emergency room at UCSD where I have the opportunity to enhance my medical knowledge every day.  I also hold CPR, EMT-DC, and PWC certificates.  I learned to surf in IB and at my first lifeguarding job on North Island, in Coronado (2000 – 2006).  In 2007, I made the move to the Imperial Beach Lifeguarding Service, and last year I was promoted to Lifeguard II.  Shortly after my promotion, I tore the meniscus in my knee and I have been recovering from that injury since August.  As my health improves, I feel like luck is finally on my side with the occasion to be the Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator.  This gives me the opportunity to share with the youth of the community what I have learned as a lifeguard, a health care provider, and a devotee of the ocean.  I guess I can call it a “pay it forward” to the La Jolla Shores lifeguard who showed me the lifeguard tower that one foggy spring day; and I am really excited about it! 

I am excited to announce that we will be having 2 sessions this summer!  The dates for session 1 are: June 28th – July 23rd ($300), and the dates for session 2 are: July 26th – August 13th ($250).  Please remember to look at your child’s school calendar to make sure your child doesn’t have to leave the JG session early because there will be no refunds after the start of your session.  If your teenager wants to be a captain, please assume that he/she will be interviewing, trying-out and training the week prior to the start of the session in which he/she will be participating.  If your child is interested in becoming a captain, please send an email titled “Captain” to the email on this website.  Returning junior guards from the 2009 summer session will have priority to register during the month of April, after that, enrollment is open to all children pending a passing score for the swim try-outs (please sign-up for the try-outs starting April 15th). 

Now, as the times progress, it seems like we are pressured to do more each day.  So I am doing everything that I can to make communication with the instructors and me, the program coordinator, as easy for you as possible.  If you need to call us, the number has not changed: 619-628-1419.  Email is also a great way to contact us, please use the following email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  As far as you trying to contact us, I am committing to replying to email and phone calls with in approximately 48hrs on weekdays prior to the session’s start.

Uniforms are a very important part of the program.  Uniforms allow our on-duty lifeguards to recognize JG participants and they also bring a sense of unity to the group.  They will be fitted prior to the start of the program at the mandatory Parent Meet and Greet Event.  Uniform costs are no longer included in the tuition you pay.  So please make sure you account for that cost in your spending for the summer.  Every child must get a new uniform this year.  For $50 your child will get a bathing suit (girls) or board shorts (guys), a t-shirt, a rashguard, a hat, and a sweatshirt.  A link is coming soon for you to pay online, or please go to the City of Imperial Beach Finance office at City Hall  825 Imperial Beach Blvd. Imperial Beach, CA 91932. 

I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with you and your children this summer.  I know that the other instructors are looking forward to this season as well.  Please feel free to call or email with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have, I will be more than happy to respond promptly.  Have a great day!

Julianne Charland
Lifeguard II

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone:  619-628-1419
Fax:  619-628-1421

Imperial Beach Lifeguard Service
950 Ocean Lane
Imperial Beach, Ca 91932