Educational & Summer Programs

The Ventura County Junior Lifeguard Program, sponsored by the Ventura County Harbor Department, offers a dynamic summer experience for youth aged 8 to 15. The program, which begins on July 7, provides participants with essential skills in lifeguard rescue techniques, emergency medical first aid, and ocean safety. The program emphasizes physical conditioning to help young individuals build strength, endurance, and resilience. It also offers a variety of ocean sports activities enabling participants to develop both athletic abilities and a deeper appreciation for marine environments. In addition to physical and ocean-related activities, the program instills values of public service and teamwork, encouraging participants to develop leadership skills. By the end of the program, participants not only gain practical knowledge and lifeguard experience but also become more confident, responsible, and aware of the importance of water safety. This program offers an ideal foundation for young individuals interested in pursuing future lifeguard roles or simply gaining important life skills while enjoying the beach and ocean activities. Enrollment for the program is first come, first served. Due to the popularity of the program, enrollment fills to capacity quickly. New Participants First time participants are required to tryout and qualify before being accepted in the program. To qualify, new participants must be able to swim 50 yards, float or tread water for two minutes, and be able to dive underwater to a depth of 7 feet. No exceptions. Tryouts, a requirement for all new participants, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Hueneme High School. A parent/guardian must be present during the tryout. There is a fee to enroll in the program. For more information, please call the Ventura County Harbor Patrol at (805) 973-5959 or Harbor Administration at (805) 973-5950. 2025 Jr. Lifeguard Program The Ventura County Jr. Lifeguard Program will take place from July 7, 2025 to August 1, 2025. Applications for the program will available in mid-April. Tryouts, a requirement for all new participants, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Hueneme High School. Cost: $560 - includes a trip to the Channel Islands National Park (Monday, July 21) and a t-shirt $530 - for siblings Shorts and sweatshirts will also be available for purchase.   DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE

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Angling for adventure, opportunity, and community education since 2011, Reel Guppy Outdoors Inc. has been providing local youth and their families with education and fishing outings at no cost to their participants. Their mission is to provide a positive environment for youth using outdoor adventures emphasizing education, life-building lessons, leadership, stewardship, and team building. They seek to empower participants with the education and skills to enjoy waters and beaches while promoting good stewardship of natural resources. To contact Reel Guppy Outdoors, please call (805) 248-2166 or email reelanglers@gmail.com. To learn more about Reel Guppy Outdoors, please visit https://www.reelguppyoutdoors.com/

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Sea Scouting is a traditional program of aquatic activities centered around sailing, scuba diving, waterskiing and surfing. The program uses a strong advancement program to enhance and guide the development of young men and women who are at least 13 years old and who have completed the eighth grade, or who are 14 years old but not yet 21 years old. A Sea Scout registered in a ship prior to age 21 may continue as a member at age 21 until the ship recharters or until age 22, whichever comes first. Sea Scout Ship 9201 was started effective May 2007, and is based at Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in Channel Islands Harbor. For more information regarding Sea Scout Ship 9201, contact the Ventura County Council office at (805) 482-8938.

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Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is responsible for the protection and preservation of submerged remains of the past that occupy the bottomlands of the sanctuary. Cultural and historic submerged sites include archeological remains of shipwrecks and prehistoric land sites. Sanctuary stewardship responsibilities include a mandate to inventory sites, encourage research, provide public education and oversee responsible visitor use.

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The CIBC provides educational and recreational opportunities for youth and adults of Ventura County, CSU Channel Islands community and others from around the State. While the main focus of the Center is to teach boating skills and support boaters, the CIBC also provides other educational resources on the local marine environment.

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In the breezes of Channel Islands Harbor, Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation offers a fun and comprehensive youth sailing program highlighting boat handling skills under sail as well as general seamanship and safety. Visit http://www.pcyfsailing.org for detailed program information or call (888) 501-4777.

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The Oxnard College Marine Center and Aquarium is located at Fisherman's Wharf in Channel Islands Harbor. Students in the Marine Studies Program enjoy access to the harbor for class activities and utilize the live aquarium organisms for study. Classes include: Oceanography, Geography, Marine Biology and MST 190/195. The Center also features lecture seminars that are open to the public. Lectures include topics on conservation and restoration of our marine environment and wildlife.

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