Open Water Lifeguard

Under general supervision, maintains surveillance over a section of beach from an assigned station or patrols a section of beach in a vehicle to protect life, prevent accidents and enforce beach regulations; performs preventative actions in the interest of public safety; provides emergency medical treatment; assists in the maintenance of facilities and equipment; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility. This position is a temporary, hourly, extra-help position and does not include leave or medical benefits. Additionally, hours are not set and may fluctuate day to day depending on the number of people at the beach at any given time.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Examples of duties performed by employees in this class may not include all required duties, nor are all listed tasks necessarily performed by everyone in this class.
 
In the interest of public safety, safeguards an assigned area of the beach, and/or ocean; performs preventative actions such as giving safety warnings and monitoring for safety hazards; maintains beach observation towers; performs safety interventions and effects rescues in surf, open ocean, river/streams, harbor and boating areas and roadways; issue safety advisories and warnings to general public; educate public on safety issues related to beach and ocean environments; responds to requests for information from the general public; prepares reports and statistical data of daily activities; administers first aid and CPR when necessary; enforces rules and regulations pertaining to the beaches; participates in drills and training courses; operate and maintain lifeguarding and rescue equipment, vehicles and watercraft; check oxygen tanks, first aid kits and rescue tubes; perform preventive maintenance and repairs; utilizes proper resources to ensure personal and public safety; and performs other related duties as assigned. Advancement on the salary schedule is contingent upon successful performance and attaining and maintaining all required certifications/licenses.

Knowledge of:
 

• Basic operations, services and activities of a professional beach lifeguard service.
• Principles and practices of beach lifeguarding and water safety.
• Beach and ocean environments.
• Methods and techniques of first aid and CPR.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures within the area of assignment.
• Operational characteristics of various beach lifeguarding and emergency rescue equipment, communication equipment, and vehicles.
• Basic command structures.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
• Advanced first aid techniques.
• Approved lifesaving methods for water safety and rescue of swimmers.
• Public relations principles.

• Swim with endurance and proficiency at a level necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Perform beach lifeguarding duties.
• Perform emergency water rescues.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to safety hazards.
• Maintain composure in emergency situations.
• Administer first aid and CPR as necessary.
• Operate and maintain lifeguard and emergency rescue equipment in an efficient manner.
• Enforce applicable beach rules and regulations.
• 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.
• Immediately evaluate an emergency situation and act decisively and effectively in response to the situation.
• Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to prescribed methods.
• Handle monetary transactions.
• Safely operate an emergency rescue vehicle (beach).
• Jump from jetties, and moving vessels.

Experience: 

• No experience is required
• One year of experience highly desired

• Graduation from an approved United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) - Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy.

• A current, valid driver's license is required
• A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Professional Rescuer (2 Person CPR) Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association
• A valid Emergency Medical Response Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Introduction to Open Water Certificate

• A valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Professional Rescuer (2 Person CPR) Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association
• A valid Emergency Medical Response Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Introduction to Open Water Certificate