Beach Lifeguard Trainee

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Under direct supervision, assists Beach Lifeguards with patrolling public beaches and performing water rescues; monitors public beaches for hazardous or unsafe conditions; responds to questions and inquiries from the public; attends classes in the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy.

The Beach Lifeguard Trainee class is designed to prepare and evaluate the necessary skills and techniques needed to become a Beach Lifeguard.

Advancement to the Beach Lifeguard position is contingent upon successful performance and graduation from the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy, and obtaining and maintaining all the certifications and licenses required by the Beach Lifeguard classification. The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Attend the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy and applicable City Beach Lifeguard trainings and orientation.
• Assist and learn to observe swimmers from lifeguard towers or patrol vehicles; to respond to various emergencies including boat, rock and water rescues; to administer first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Assist and learn to patrol public beaches and warn swimmers of dangerous surf or other hazardous beach conditions; to enforce laws, codes and ordinances governing beach safety; to post warning signs indicating hazardous conditions.
• Assist and learn to operate and maintain lifeguarding and rescue equipment, vehicles and portable towers; to check oxygen tanks, first aid kits and rescue tubes; to perform preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Respond to questions and inquiries from the public regarding beach regulations.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

No formal ocean lifeguarding experience required. Participation in a junior lifeguard program is highly desirable; or equivalent experience that would demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to best prepare a candidate for the position.

Successful completion and graduation from the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy is required within three (3) months of appointment.

Possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate, valid CPR for the Professional Rescuer certificate.

Possession of or the ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Emergency Medical Response certificate with CPR and first aid endorsement.

Must be at least 16 years old by date of hire.

• Methods and techniques of first aid and CPR.
• General practices for operating lifeguard and rescue equipment.
• Principles and practices of beach lifeguarding and water safety.

• Attend all scheduled Lifeguard Academy classes.
• Learn water safety, rescue, CPR and first aid techniques.
• Assist with performing emergency water rescues.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant training and experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in a testing process consisting of a 500‑meter swim in under ten minutes (pass/fail), 1‑mile run test (pass/fail) in eight minutes or less and an oral interview (pass/fail - must score 70% or higher to pass). Candidates must pass each section to move on to the next portion of the testing.

Further communication regarding assessment scheduling will be provided at a later date.

All appointments are subject to a successful completion of a background check, and pre‑employment physical examination which…