Seasonal Ocean Water Lifeguard

Please read this entire job posting carefully prior to applying!

An employee in this class performs beach and open water rescue. Incumbents provide continuous surveillance from a station or tower or assist in patrolling an area of beach and adjacent ocean utilizing a four-wheel drive vehicle. Emphasis of the work is on observing actual or potential violations of beach ordinances and rules, warning the public of ocean hazards (jellyfish, sharks, rip currents, etc.)

and responding to patrons who are potentially or already in need of rescue or assistance. Positions in this class exercise on a daily basis to ensure optimum physical strength, stamina, and endurance to execute rescues in all types of ocean water conditions. The employee reports to a senior lifeguard or supervisor and is evaluated on the basis of achieving daily and weekly performance objectives, compliance with safety requirements, following defined procedures, and positive public feedback on services by beach and ocean patrons.

Pay Dependent Upon Qualifications and prior experience with Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue. Minimum pay rate is $20.50/hour.

Candidates MUST be able to attend swim tryouts on either April 18th or April 26th at 10:30am at the Hamlet beach access. Minors are welcome to apply, but must have a parent/legal guardian present at try-outs to sign a Release form.

Candidates must be able to commit to two-weeks of paid on-the-job training to be held May 6th - May 21st daily from approximately 4pm - 8pm. Work in the stands begins May 22, 2026.

Note:
We expect a large applicant pool. Not every candidate who applies will be extended an employment offer. Employment offers will be EMAILED Monday, May 4th. Candidates should check their spam folders. Employment offers will be emailed to the email address supplied when applying for the job and placed on the application. Double check that the email address provided is accurate when applying!

• Conducts continuous surveillance of assigned beach and ocean for signs of swimmers in distress and potential hazards such as rip currents, large surf, and backwash
• Executes single and multiple-victim rescues in all ocean water conditions using rescue cans or rescue boards; rescues victims and removes from harm using department approved techniques
• Administers first aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) to victims of near-drowning, heart attack, seizure, heat exhaustion, broken bones, lacerations, jellyfish or stingray stings, or other medical emergencies; transfers care of seriously injured victims to medical provider or appropriate personnel for provision of equal or higher-level care
• Opens lifeguard tower at beginning of shift, checking equipment such as rescue cans and rescue boards, telephone, radios, first aid equipment, resuscitator equipment, and defibrillator; reports malfunctions; observes and reports beach and ocean conditions by patrolling assigned area of responsibility
• Notifies supervisor upon suspicion or report of a suspected sewage or hazardous materials spill
• Enforces beach ordinances and rules prohibiting activities such as use of illegal flotation devices, boats too close to shore, and surfboards in swimming areas; reports other incidents such as dogs on the beach, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or fights to area supervisor
• Responds to questions from patrons regarding matters such as tide tables, weather conditions and forecasts, ocean conditions, or any other public information contact inquiry
• Maintains log book by entering information regarding rescues, first aid rendered, and other unusual events; writes a narrative account of major incidents
• Engages in the physical fitness program established by the department in order to maintain sufficient capability to perform ocean lifesaving duties
• May perform special assignment duties including youth programs, training instructor, and other duties requiring a specialized skill set
• Regularly and predictably attends work
• Performs related duties as required

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of first aid, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), dealing with hazardous materials, and swimming and lifesaving techniques
• Knowledge of beach ordinances and…