What are the responsibilities and job description for the Beach Lifeguard I position at City of Oceanside?
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Beach Lifeguard I. This position will support lifeguard and rescue operations in the Lifeguard Division of the Fire Department.
Performance Examination Date: November 26, 2025
Tentative Start Date: December 29, 2025
Tentative Start Date: December 29, 2025
Safeguards an assigned area of the beach, pier, 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, municipal piers, 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 and the pier; 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. Advancement to the II level is not based on time in grade but on appropriate experience, training, certifications, and demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is solely at the discretion of the Department Director and the organizational needs of the department.
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.
Ability to:
- 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 piers, jetties, and moving vessels.
Experience and Training
Experience: No experience is required.
Training: Graduation from an approved United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) - Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy.
If an applicant is under 18 years of age, an authorized Work Permit is required.
License, Certificates:
- A current, valid California driver's license is required for advancement beyond the second pay step.
- 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.
Environmental Conditions: Incumbents are required to work at a public beach and in ocean water and are exposed to inclement weather conditions often with insufficient protection from the sun; moving mechanical parts, cold, heat, electrical hazards, dusts, blood, bodily fluids, contaminated water, extreme temperatures for prolonged time periods, intense noise, workspace restrictions, aggressive and/or noncompliant members of the public and potentially violent situations.
Physical Conditions: Maintaining physical condition necessary for swimming, diving, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, repetitive motions, sitting, kneeling, bending, running, walking and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to assess variety of situations and respond to those situations; read and interpret information.
Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Selection Process:
YOU MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO BE ADMITTED INTO THE EXAM.
YOU MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO BE ADMITTED INTO THE EXAM.
The examination process is divided into multiple phases. Individuals must successfully complete each phase in order to advance to the next phase. The examination process for those individuals who advance in the process may require the entire day. Plan accordingly.
Performance Test: The performance test will consist of a 600-yard swim (10 minutes or less); an ocean swim test consisting of a run-swim-run (1/2 mile run, 800-meter swim, 1/2 mile run) in less than 27 minutes; a 200-meter sprint swim. APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE POOL AND BEACH/OCEAN TEST SITES.
Interview: Interviews will be held the SAME AFTERNOON of the test day. The interviews are designed to ensure that candidates have the qualifications necessary to fill the position. Interviews will be held at the Oceanside Lifeguard Headquarters (underneath the Oceanside Pier).
Performance Exam Date(s): Wednesday, November 26 - 8:00 AM
The City retains the right to cancel the second test date should the available job openings be filled as a result of the first test date.
*Note: Exam dates are posted as a courtesy and may be subject to change and/or cancellation.
Other Factors: Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN PLACE OF THE CITY APPLICATION BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Salary : $21 - $24
