2026 SBBP LIT Application and Information

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 LIT SEASON WILL OPEN ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 25th at 9:00am. PLEASE CONTACT SBBPLIT@GMAIL.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

***Note that the dates below have been updated to reflect the upcoming 2026 season.***

Program Overview

The Ship Bottom Lifeguard in Training (LIT) program introduces children ages 10-15 to the responsibilities and rescue techniques used by professional lifeguards. LIT instructors aim to provide an educational and fun environment, focusing on the development of water safety skills, physical fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive self-esteem. Program applicants must know how to swim and must be comfortable swimming longer distances in the ocean. Applicants should also be comfortable performing basic exercises and running up to 1 mile in the sand.​

Application Requirements

The deadline for 2026 LIT applications is **Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 11:59PM**.  Please note that the program will likely fill before the deadline and some applicants may be placed on a waiting list, especially for morning sessions.  

A completed application includes the following items:

•  2026 Application Form

  • Must be completed online via Google Form found at the top of this page.

•  Proof of Health Insurance

  • Photocopy of insurance card must be emailed to LIT Program Director Dan Duffy at sbbplit@gmail.com

    • Please note that this must be submitted even if your child has participated in the past and we might have your previous card on file.

•  Swim video for new applicants.

  • The swim video is ONLY for new applicants OR anyone who did not participate in the 2025 season; all returning LITs from the 2025 season are exempt from submitting a video.  Submit the video by emailing it to sbbplit@gmail.com.

• • All new applicants must submit a video of themselves doing the following:

1. Introducing themselves by stating their name and why they want to be a part of the Ship Bottom Beach Patrol Lifeguard in Training Program (one minute max).

2. Starting in the deep end of the pool, swim 4 lengths of a 25-yard pool (total of 100 yards) without stopping (note that there isn’t a time limit; see notes below about what the swimmer must demonstrate).

3. Treading water for one minute in the deep end of the pool after the completion of the 100 yard swim.

• In the swim video, the applicant must demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Swim with a freestyle stroke.

2. Swim continuously without stopping to grab onto the wall, touch the pool bottom, or hold onto the lane line. Applicants may touch the wall at the completion of each lap (no flipturn required), but cannot hold on to the wall to catch their breath.

3. Swim with their face in the water and demonstrate their ability to breathe without stopping their swim cadence.

4. Swim straight down the lane.

If your child is unable to perform any of the above requirements, they will not be invited to participate in the Lifeguard in Training program. 

The swim video must be submitted via email to sbbplit@gmail.com by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 8th, 2026. Note that once you have completed the application and insurance information, your application to the program will be considered "pending" until the submission of the swim video.

*Applications that are incomplete or missing information by the stated deadline will NOT be accepted. Applications will NOT be accepted in person or via mail.*

You will receive a confirmation letter and payment slip via email once your application is processed. You must print the payment slip and mail it to Borough Hall along with your payment in order to confirm your child’s enrollment in the program. Payments will not be accepted without the payment slip. Registered participants will then receive a Welcome Letter via email during the week of June 3rd.

Age Group, Session, and Fee Information

10-12 Year Old Group:

• Fee:  $150

• Age Requirement:  Applicants MUST be at least 10 years of age by the start of the program in order to be eligible to participate

• Session Info:  The 10-12 year old age group (Tuesday, Thursday) will run from Tuesday, June 30th through Thursday August 6th. You may select either the morning (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) or the afternoon (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) session when you apply, but note that your preferred session may not be available depending on when you submit your application. In the event your preferred session is not available, you'll be offered a spot in the other session before being placed on a waitlist. 

13-15 Year Old Group:

• Fee:  $225

• Age Requirement:  Applicants MUST be at least 13 years of age by the start of the program in order to be eligible to participate.

• Session Info:  The 13-15 year old age group (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) will run from Monday, June 29th through Friday, August 7th. You may select either the morning (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) or the afternoon (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) session when you apply, but note that your preferred session may not be available depending on when you submit your application. In the event your preferred session is not available, you'll be offered a spot in the other session before being placed on a waitlist. 

Important Program Information

• Please note that the LIT Program is a NON-REFUNDABLE program.

• Please be mindful that we try our best to accommodate preferences for specific sessions, but space is limited and session assignments are made on a first come first served basis.

• Application items (insurance information and swim video--if applicable) will only be accepted via email. At the beginning of June, you will receive an email with a confirmation letter once your application is received and processed. The letter will contain payment instructions to confirm your child’s enrollment in the program.

• Throughout the duration of the program, each patrol on the island hosts a tournament which LITs are encouraged to compete in. Tournaments are a great way for our LITs to refine their skills on the beach and in the water, and to meet kids on other patrols who are also involved in the LIT program. Note that on tournament dates, we WILL NOT hold our regular LIT sessions, as tournaments take up a good portion of the day. Tournaments are in no way a mandatory part of the LIT experience, but all participants are encouraged to compete so that they can enjoy the experience of these fun events. Information about various tournaments will be sent out at the beginning of the season. Note that most tournaments may cost extra (typically $25 each tournament) and the fee is covered by each individual competitor. 

Please contact the LIT Program Director Dan Duffy by email (sbbplit@gmail.com) with any questions.