Beach Lifeguard I

Reports To: Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division, Marine Safety Officer, Beach Lifeguard Lieutenant, Beach Lifeguard II

Designation: Seasonal Temporary Position

Salary Range: $21.0876/hr- $25.6322/hr.

Final Filing Date: March 15

Application Process

Applications will not be accepted on-line. Applicants should report to Lifeguard Headquarters (located at #1 Municipal Wharf) at 7:30 am with completed Job Application and Release of Liability forms when reporting for one of three Physical Agility Test dates:

Physical Agility Test dates: March 1, March 8, March 15
Candidates under 18 years of age must have release of liability(PDF, 26KB) signed by a legal guardian.

Event / Maximum time allowed:

  • 1000-meter swim / 20 minutes
  • 1000-meter rescue board paddle- This portion will be timed and graded on a scale. The points will be brought into your interview. This is not a pass or fail portion of the test. Santa Cruz City will provide the paddle boards for this event.
  • 200-meter run - 400-meter swim - 200-meter run / 10 minutes.
  • Wetsuits, goggles, and swim caps are permitted, no swim fins.

Interview: Successful candidates from the Physical Agility Test will be notified of the time and location for an interview, which will be scheduled for the Sunday after the Physical Agility Test.

Successful candidates from the Interview will be required to attend all training dates as follows:

Mandatory Training Dates

Title 22 Medical Training:

  • May 2nd Friday night 1700-2100
  • May 3rd Saturday 0800-1700
  • May 4th Sunday 0800-1700
  • May 9th Friday night 1700-2100

New Lifeguard Academy:June 2 – 6 0800-1700

Note: The regular ocean lifeguard physical agility test is extremely challenging. Candidates should have solid ocean swimming skills and train regularly before the scheduled tryout dates.

Contact Us

Questions regarding this application process should be directed to:
Lifeguard Headquarters
#1 Municipal Wharf
831-420-5715

Basic Function

Under close supervision, this uniformed position works with other lifeguard employees and reports to Beach Lifeguard II's. As part of a team, the Beach Lifeguard I provides ocean safety and emergency medical assistance to the public. Employees assigned to operations will guard an assigned area of beach, provide public safety, and detect and rescue persons or vessels in distress. Employees assigned as needed to the Junior Lifeguard Program will work as a program instructor and report to the Junior Lifeguard Lieutenant and Beach Lifeguard II.

Primary Duties

  • Guards a designated section of beach and water from an assigned tower.
  • Protects the public and warns them of hazardous conditions.
  • Rescues persons and vessels in distress.
  • Answers questions and provides information pertaining to the beach and ocean environment.
  • Renders emergency medical aid including CPR.
  • Removes hazardous objects from the sand and water.
  • Takes charge of lost/found children.
  • Interprets beach rules and regulations to the public pertaining to safety and conduct.
  • Performs other related work as required.
  • Maintains a professional and courteous relationship with the public and co-workers.
  • May be assigned to teach, educate and coach children ages 6 through 17 in ocean awareness and aquatic safety as part of the Junior Lifeguard program.

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Skills

  • Basic understanding of use of hand tools and equipment.

Abilities

  • The ability to meet and maintain a 1000m ocean swim time of under 20 minutes.
  • Vision 20-30 corrected.
  • Swim and use a paddle board in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
  • Adopt an effective course of action in an emergency situation.
  • Maintain constant observation of an assigned area for hazardous conditions and take appropriate action to protect the public from those hazards.
  • Interact in a professional and courteous manner with the public and other emergency service employees. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and accept constructive criticism and direct orders from supervisors.
  • Maintain valid certifications as required for employment.

Licenses and Certificates

  • Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required depending on job assignment.
  • Possession and continued maintenance of CPR Certification (Pro or healthcare provider).

Other Requirements

  • Must be 16 years of age by May 1 of year of hire.
  • Candidates must successful complete a minimum 56 hour Lifeguard training, plus 24 hours medical certification training if not currently certified to Title 22 First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or higher.
  • Candidates who are hired as beach lifeguards must be available for full-time employment (40 hours per week) for the summer season (May through September). This requirement may be waived for extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis.
  • Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented within 14 days of hire - No exceptions.
  • Must provide a copy of valid CPR Certification (Pro or healthcare provider).
  • Excellent health.
  • The ability to meet and maintain a 1000m ocean swim time of under 20 minutes.
  • Vision 20-30 corrected.
  • Selected candidates will undergo fingerprint screening as part of the pre-employment process.
  • Candidates who are hired as beach lifeguards must be available for full-time employment (40 hours per week) for the summer season (May through September). This requirement may be waived for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful completion of Santa Cruz Marine Safety Division Lifeguard training program (80+ hours) after initial hiring process is completed. Successful completion and maintenance of required medical training certificates.
  • Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented within 14 days of hire - No exceptions.

Desirable Qualifications

  • EMT certification is highly desirable.

Selection Procedure

Beach Lifeguard Tryout. A City application(PDF, 210KB) is required. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. (Note: the following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Chief of the Fire Department.) Applicants must complete a physical test described below. Those candidates who perform within the allotted time will be assigned an interview time following the physical. Successful candidates will be hired as a probationary Beach Lifeguard I and will attend mandatory 80+ hour Open Water Lifeguard Training (includes Title 22 First Aid).

Required Documentation

Candidates must bring to the physical agility test:

  • Completed City Employment Application(PDF, 210KB) form (also available at the Fire Department Administration building at 230 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz).
  • Government-issued identification such as a driver's license or identification card to verify candidate's identity and meets the minimum age requirement to test. Beach Lifeguards must be 16 years of age by May 1 of year of hire.
  • Candidates under 18 years of age must have release of liability(PDF, 26KB) to participate in physical agility test signed by a legal guardian or they will not be allowed to test.
  • Applicants with a corrective lens restriction must also include a physician's note (within the last 30 days) to verify their current vision.
  • Candidates not in possession of these items will not be allowed to participate in the physical test.

Test

Event / Maximum Time Allowed

  • 1000-meter swim / 20 minutes
  • 200-meter run - 400-meter swim - 200-meter run / 10 minutes

Wetsuits are permitted, no swim fins.

Oral Exam

Interview schedules will be assigned following the physical test.

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