What are the responsibilities and job description for the LIFEGUARD BEACH PATROL - New Applicants position at City of Ocean City?
Category: Beach Patrol Lifeguard |
Definition: |
Under direction, guards life and provides for the safety and welfare of persons in ocean bathing areas and in ocean water suitable for bathing |
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: |
Maintains constant vigilance over bathers on assigned sections of bathing areas; proactively communicates with beach patrons to prevent unsafe situations before they occur; continuously adjusts and relocates lifeguard stands to remain positioned at the water’s edge throughout the workday to maintain optimal visibility and rapid response capability; rescues bathers using rescue cans, rescue boards, boats, lines, floats, and other rescue equipment; administers artificial respiration, resuscitation, and first-aid treatment; warns bathers of ocean hazards and informs them of bathing restrictions within the area; enforces all rules and regulations governing the bathing area; assists in maintaining equipment in readiness for immediate operation; and performs other duties as required. |
Requirements: |
No previous experience or certifications are required — we pay you while we train you. Rookie candidates must be 16 years old by July 1, 2026, and proof of age will be required upon offer of employment. All candidates must submit a completed physical signed by a licensed physician prior to the rookie test (please download the physical forms below). Physical testing for the Ocean City Beach Patrol will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and is a one-day test; if necessary due to poor ocean conditions or inclement weather, testing may continue on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Candidates selected at tryouts must attend Rookie School on June 13–14 and June 26–28 (daytime hours, time TBD). Prior to the test, please make arrangements to attend all Rookie School dates and be available for full-time work immediately upon completion. The standard competitive test includes a 500-meter box swim, a 500-meter box paddle, a one-half-mile beach run in 3:45 or less and a surf dash. All candidates also must complete an interview. Ability to: learn and execute first aid and life restoration procedures; read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position; render first aid to distressed persons; enforce swimming regulations; swim with agility and skill; remain calm and take decisive action in difficult situations; note and report hazardous swimming conditions. |
Tools and Equipment Used: |
Rescue equipment such as rescue cans, rescue boards, PTP radios, boats, lines, and floats. |
Physical Demands: |
Position requires employee to: Continuously talk and hear and visually observe beach and ocean bathers; frequently stand, walk, and sit; and occasionally use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and climb into lifeguard stand. Employee must have high levels of endurance and stamina to run, paddle a rescue board, and swim while conducting a rescue. Position occasionally requires employee to push or pull boats weighing 300 to 400 lbs., with the assistance of other lifeguards. Special vision requirements: Close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. |
Work Environment: |
Position requires employee to: Continuously work in outside weather conditions such as sun, heat, rain, and wind; frequently sit in lifeguard stand; and occasionally be exposed to airborne particles such as sand and swim in the ocean. The work physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. |
Salary : $21 - $26