Making Waves in Santa Ana: Empowering Youth and Building Lifeguard Leaders
When Santa Ana decided to bring its aquatics program back under city management in 2022, it sparked a wave of transformation. What started as a mission to improve water safety for residents quickly grew into a program that is changing lives—and creating homegrown heroes along the way.
For years, the city’s aquatics programming had been outsourced. But with the conclusion of an external contract and a vision for more inclusive community services, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) dove headfirst into designing a program that not only teaches water safety but also provides opportunities for leadership and career development.
Meeting Community Needs
Santa Ana’s aquatics program is now a cornerstone of the PRCSA, serving thousands of residents annually. In just two years, the program has delivered over 6,800 swim lessons, empowering participants of all ages with vital water safety skills. Classes like Aqua Zumba and Aqua Fitness have made exercise fun, while the Jr. Lifeguard Camp offers teens a first taste of what it’s like to lead and teach others.
One of the program’s most exciting innovations is the Emerging Lifeguard Training Program. Recognizing a national shortage of lifeguards, the city created a unique pathway for local teens to gain skills in swimming, CPR, and water safety. Even those who don’t yet know how to swim can join, learning essential skills along the way and preparing them to serve their community. By the end of the program, participants are not only strong swimmers but also have the opportunity to become certified lifeguards.
Santa Ana’s full-time aquatics team hold advanced certifications that allow them to provide in-house training for lifeguards and CPR. Their dedication has streamlined the process, saved costs, and created a passionate team of swim instructors and lifeguards dedicated to serving their hometown. The Emerging Lifeguard Training Program has played a pivotal role in addressing staffing challenges by developing a strong pipeline of future aquatics leaders and beyond.
Looking Ahead
By investing in local talent and infrastructure, Santa Ana’s aquatics program has become a model for other communities—demonstrating that water safety and community empowerment go hand in hand. As the city looks to the future, the upcoming solar-powered aquatics center promises to make an even bigger splash. A brand new $29 million facility is slated at Memorial Park and will provide state-of-the-art amenities, from a competition pool to a lazy river, ensuring families can enjoy recreation and water safety for years to come.
Santa Ana’s aquatics program is more than just swimming lessons—it’s about building connections, empowering youth, and creating a safer, stronger community.