Beach Lifeguard - Seasonal Temporary

Santa Cruz Fire Department – Marine Safety Division is hiring seasonal beach lifeguards.

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 to the Junior Lifeguard Program will work as a program instructor and report to the Junior Lifeguard Lieutenant and Beach Lifeguard II.

Temporary positions are non-benefited. Be advised these temporary positions are of limited duration and are not linked to regular positions of the same name. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours in a fiscal year.

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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:

• March 7, 2026
• March 14, 2026
• March 21, 2026

****** REQUIRED*****

Candidates MUST bring to the physical agility test:

• Completed City Employment Application form (also available at the Fire Department Administration building at 230 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz.)
• Government‑issued identification such as a valid 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.
• All candidates must have a signed release of liability to participate in physical agility test. Candidates under 18 years of age must have the release of liability 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.

• 1000 meter swim – 20 minutes maximum time allowed.
• 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 maximum time allowed.
• 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:

Title 22 Medical Training:
April 24th Friday night;
April 25th Saturday;
April 26th Sunday;
May 1st Friday night;

New Lifeguard Academy:
May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17;  (must attend all dates)

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.

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

Job Application Release of Liability

For more information about the Marine Safety Division, and for any updates regarding tryouts

Note:

the following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Chief of the Fire Department.

Beach Lifeguard Tryout. A City application is required. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Applicants must complete a physical test described below. Those candidates who perform within the allotted time will be assigned an interview time…