Job Description

Posting number: 2627-34

Department: Fire

Job classification: Beach Lifeguard Trainee

Posting type: Open

Categories: Miscellaneous

Summary

THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Beach Lifeguard Trainee and Beach Lifeguard I. Beach Lifeguard Trainees will attend classes as part of an Open Water Lifeguarding Academy starting February 2027, in order to learn skills and techniques used in ocean rescue, emergency decision making, first responder medical treatment and public assistance and interaction.

Performance Examination Date: November 14, 2026 and November 21, 2026

*no wetsuits allowed for the performance exam

Tentative Start Date: January 2027

Lifeguard Academy: February 2027

COMPENSATION

Beach Lifeguard Trainee - $19.58 per hour

Beach Lifeguard I - $21.58-$24.99 per hour

5% EMT certification pay for possession of EMT certification

This position is temporary and/or limited to 999 hours per fiscal year and does not include medical benefits.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for Beach Lifeguard Trainee for the summer 2025 season. Beach Lifeguard Trainees will attend classes as part of an Open Water Lifeguarding Academy in order to learn skills and techniques used in ocean rescue, emergency decision making, first responder medical treatment and public assistance and interaction.

Examples of duties

BEACH LIFEGUARD TRAINEE

The Beach Lifeguard Trainee is the entry-level position in the Beach Lifeguard Series which consists of the Beach Lifeguard Trainee, Beach Lifeguard I, and Beach Lifeguard II. This classification is designed to prepare and evaluate the suitability of Lifeguard Trainees to become a Beach Lifeguard I.

The Beach Lifeguard Trainees attend the Intro to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy and applicable City Beach Lifeguard trainings and orientation; learn techniques to act as a lifeguard by observing patrons on the beach and in the water to ensure safety and prevent accidents; learn techniques in first aid, CPR, and/or ocean rescue skills as needed; learn to enforce rules and regulations, municipal codes and ordinances; learn to monitor beach and water population levels; recognize conditions warranting closing or reopening surfing areas and jetties; learn to identify lost individuals and coordinate reunification, represent the City professionally in a highly visible position; provide high level customer service, education and information to residents and beach visitors; embrace and practice the City's organizational values; demonstrate proficiency in performing assigned work functions; and perform other related duties as assigned. Advancement to the Beach Lifeguard I position is contingent upon successful performance and graduation from the Intro to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy, and obtaining and maintaining all the certifications and licenses required by the Beach Lifeguard I classification.

Selected candidates who fail to graduate from the Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy will be terminated without right of appeal.

BEACH LIFEGUARD I

In the interest of public safety, safeguards an assigned area of the beach, pier, and/or ocean; performs preventative actions such as 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.

Qualifications

BEACH LIFEGUARD TRAINEE

Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices;
• Physical activities in potentially adverse conditions including cold water, large surf, strong currents and other marine hazards;
• Public relations principles;
• Interpersonal skills.

Ability to:

• Attend all scheduled Training Academy classes;
• Learn water safety, rescue, CPR and first aid techniques;
• Understand principles and practices of pre-hospital emergency medical care;
• Understand surf, local climate ocean environment, currents, hazards, water quality, human behavior, Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances pertaining to recreational use in a marine environment;
• Understand methods of open water, and underwater lifesaving;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Appear for work on time;
• Follow directions from a supervisor;
• Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work, specifically the general public and co-workers.

Experience and Training

Experience: No experience as a Beach Lifeguard is required. Strong physical fitness, strength and stamina, especially endurance swimming is highly desirable.

Training: No formal training is required. A work permit will be required for selected applicants under age 18.

*** A work permit is required for candidates under age 18 or who have not yet graduated from High School.

License/Certificates: None required.

BEACH LIFEGUARD I

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.

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.

Supplemental information

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 non-compliant 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.

Selection Process:

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): Saturday, November 14, 2026 and November 21, 2026 - 8:00 AM

Candidates may select one of the above performance exam dates.

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.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN PLACE OF THE CITY APPLICATION BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.