Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard

Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis for future vacancies.

The Position:
Under general supervision, Ocean Lifeguards patrol beaches with the overall goal of providing protection to life, limb and property. Ocean Lifeguards guard an area of beach from an assigned station, patrol a section of the beach, participate in marine and other related emergencies, and make rescues and prevent marine accidents.

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION:

Candidates must successfully pass a mandatory swim test at the Main Beach Lifeguard Tower. Testing will occur on the following dates:

* To Be Determined for the 2026 Season

* Candidates who cannot attend dates listed above may request an individual swim test. Requests for a swim test MUST be made at least 5 days in advance and a completed job application and physical testing waiver must be submitted prior to testing. Swim tests are available Friday through Sunday between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M.

All requests must be emailed to lifeguar Please contact Marine Safety Lieutenant Tom Cantrell at  with questions.

Testing Day Details:

The physical test will consist of three (3) events:

1) 1,000 Meter Ocean Swim
- Must complete in under 20 minutes to qualify for the remainder of the testing.

2) Run / Ocean Swim / Run

3) Sprint / Ocean Swim

Required Physical Testing Waiver (MANDATORY):

The required physical testing waiver is available on the Laguna Beach City website or can be accessed HERE. You may also stop by the Human Resources Division in City Hall located at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian MUST sign the testing waiver.

Candidate Orientation:

Qualified applicants will be invited to Marine Safety Headquarters directly following the physical testing for a brief candidate orientation. Candidates should bring I-9 identification (e.g., government issued , social security card, passport, etc.). All documents must be originals. Pictures or photocopies of documents will not be accepted.

Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Training Academy:

Prior to placement in the position of Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard, a candidate must complete and successfully pass all components of the City of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department 100 hour Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Academy. There are three options for the Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Academy. The Academy will be scheduled from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Candidates must choose one of the Academies listed below:

For the 2026 Season:

* Academy #1:
To be determined.

* Academy #2:
To be determined.

During the Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Academy, Trainees will be paid minimum wage at $17.51 per hour. Completion of the Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Academy does not guarantee placement in the Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard position, nor does it imply continued employment.

Final Selection / Pre-Placement:
The appointing authority will review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. Candidates will be hired based on department need and in order of academy finish.

Prior to becoming an Ocean Lifeguard I, candidates will be required to pass a background check and fingerprint check with the Department of Justice. Candidates who are selected for placement in a Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard position must compete and pass a pre-placement physical, which includes a drug test.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

* Patrols and provides continual surveillance of swimmers in a designated section of beach and water from an assigned station

* Participates in ocean rescues

* Protects bathers and warns them of dangerous conditions

* Maintains telephone or radio communication with Marine Safety Dispatch

* Maintains and ensures equipment and supplies are in good working condition

* Answers questions and assists the public as necessary

* Informs bathers and boaters of hazardous ocean conditions

* Removes dangerous objects from ocean and surf line

* Maintains daily records of activities of assigned area and reports them at the end of the shift to the designated personnel

* Advises…