Ocean Lifeguard -Recurrent

Position: OCEAN LIFEGUARD I-RECURRENT
Now hiring for the 2026 summer season!

Lifeguard test date will be april 4, 2026 with the academy dates to be determined.  Apply now and become part of our very excellent marine safety team!

Additional compensation:

* 5% is paid to individuals with emt certification

* 5% is paid to individuals with bilingual skills

The city of huntington beach is seeking to hire responsible men and women to provide first-line lifeguard protection at the city's beautiful beaches. Ocean lifeguards primarily perform ocean rescues, perform preventative actions and provide medical aid as needed.

The marine safety division of the fire department is responsible for responding to all aquatic emergencies within the city limits.

* over 16 million visitors enjoy the city's beaches annually, during which the marine safety division averages more than 4,500 rescues each year.

* the division provides lifeguard services for approximately 4.75 miles of city-operated beaches.

* the marine safety division may respond to mutual aids and other aquatic emergencies throughout orange county.

* approximately 200 lifeguards are employed each year.

Lifeguard test date will be scheduled for april 4, 2026.  Academy dates to be determined.  Apply now and become part of our very excellent marine safety team!

* lifeguards an assigned area from a tower or emergency rescue vehicle

* performs ocean rescues, informs bathers and boaters of hazardous ocean conditions, and removes dangerous objects from the beach and ocean area

* performs routine and preventative maintenance on towers, vehicle, equipment and other facilities within an assigned area

* maintains daily records of activities and completes reports on same

* interacts with the public on the beach; answers questions and assists patrons with problems and advises of municipal ordinances

* operates specialized lifesaving equipment and performs various first aid practices of a highly skilled nature

* participates in all rescue, first aid and aquatic emergencies until relieved by a supervisor

* performs other related duties as required

* minimum age: 17 by july 1 of the year employee will be hired - proof required  (age 16 for hb city beach junior guards who have been in the program during the 2025 summer season and receive a positive recommendation from marine safety management)

* vision: 20/40 uncorrected in both eyes or 20/40 corrected (by contacts only) in both eyes.

* health: excellent, including good hearing

* license: a valid ca driver's license with an acceptable driving record may be required.

* other: a pre-placement medical exam and drug screening will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

Performance exam and interview dates

* date: exam will be held april 4, 2026.

* time: to be determined

* location: to be determined

* interviews: to be determined

Performance exam events

The performance exam consists of 2 physical events (subject to change):

* 1,000 yard pool swim in under 15 minutes

* 1,800 yard ocean run-swim-run

All events are conducted in prevailing conditions around and through the huntington beach pier. Applicants must satisfactorily complete all phases of the performance exam to be eligible for further consideration.

Selection process

* candidates successfully completing all components of the performance exam will be placed on a list.

* qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

* based on the combined results, of the performance exam and the oral interview, the top qualified candidates will be invited to the ocean lifeguard pre-summer academy.

* upon a conditional offer of employment, a pre-placement medical exam, drug screen, swim test and live scan doj fingerprinting must be completed with acceptable results. The employment physical will be conducted by a physician designated by the city.

* upon hire, employees are subject to further reporting from doj via subsequent arrest notification. Other background reports may also be conducted depending on the position.

* recurrent ocean lifeguards are "at will" employees who work on a seasonal, as needed, basis. Hours vary and will include weekends and holidays.

Ocean lifeguard academy

* training classes are conducted at the marine safety…