Job Description

Posting number: 0244-0926

Department: Fire Department

Job classification: OCEAN LIFEGUARD I (RECURRENT)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Fire & EMS, Safety

Summary

NOW HIRING FOR THE 2027 SUMMER SEASON!

The next lifeguard test date will be October 17, 2026 with the Academy dates to be determined. APPLY NOW AND BECOME PART OF OUR VERY EXCELLENT MARINE SAFETY TEAM!

Additional Compensation:

• 5% is paid to individuals with EMT certification
• 5% is paid to individuals with bilingual skills

The City of Huntington Beach is seeking to hire responsible men and women to provide first-line lifeguard protection at the City's beautiful beaches. Ocean Lifeguards primarily perform ocean rescues, perform preventative actions and provide medical aid as needed.

The MARINE SAFETY DIVISION of the FIRE DEPARTMENT is responsible for responding to all aquatic emergencies within the city limits.

• Over 16 million visitors enjoy the City's beaches annually, during which the Marine Safety Division averages more than 4,500 rescues each year.
• The division provides lifeguard services for approximately 4.75 miles of City-operated beaches.
• The Marine Safety Division may respond to mutual aids and other aquatic emergencies throughout Orange County.
• Approximately 200 Lifeguards are employed each year.

Lifeguard test dates will be scheduled for October 17, November 7, December 19, January 9 (last tryout for first Academy), and April 3 for a second Academy.

TO APPLY

1. Applicants are required to submit a completed on-line Employment Application prior to the performance exam. You may find the on-line Employment Application by following the link "Apply" above.
2. Applicants are also required to attach a completed signed Liability Waiver Form along with their application. (Insert link)

Examples of duties

• Lifeguards an assigned area from a tower or emergency rescue vehicle
• Performs ocean rescues, informs bathers and boaters of hazardous ocean conditions, and removes dangerous objects from the beach and ocean area
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance on towers, vehicle, equipment and other facilities within an assigned area
• Maintains daily records of activities and completes reports on same
• Interacts with the public on the beach; answers questions and assists patrons with problems and advises of Municipal Ordinances
• Operates specialized lifesaving equipment and performs various first aid practices of a highly skilled nature
• Participates in all rescue, first aid and aquatic emergencies until relieved by a supervisor
• Performs other related duties as required

Qualifications

• Minimum Age: 17 by July 1 of the year employee will be hired - Proof required (Age 16 for HB City Beach Junior Guards who have been in the Program during the 2026 summer season and receive a positive recommendation from Marine Safety Management)
• Vision: 20/40 uncorrected in both eyes or 20/40 corrected (by contacts only) in both eyes.
• Health: Excellent, including good hearing
• License: A valid CA driver's license with an acceptable driving record may be required.
• Other: A pre-placement medical exam and drug screening will be conducted upon a conditional offer of employment.

PERFORMANCE EXAM AND INTERVIEW DATES

• Date: Exam will be held October 17, November 7, Decembre 19, January 9 (last tryout for first Academy), April 3 for second Academy
• Time: To be determined
• Location: To be determined
• Interviews: To be determined

PERFORMANCE EXAM EVENTS

The performance exam consists of 2 physical events (subject to change):

1. 1,000 yard pool swim in under 15 minutes
2. 1,800 yard ocean run-swim-run

All events are conducted in prevailing conditions around and through the Huntington Beach Pier. Applicants must satisfactorily complete all phases of the performance exam to be eligible for further consideration.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Candidates successfully completing all components of the Performance Exam will be placed on a list.
• Qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.
• Based on the combined results, of the performance exam and the oral interview, the top qualified candidates will be invited to the Ocean Lifeguard Pre-Summer Academy.
• Upon a conditional offer of employment, a pre-placement medical exam, drug screen, swim test and Live Scan DOJ fingerprinting must be completed with acceptable results. The employment physical will be conducted by a physician designated by the City.
• Upon hire, employees are subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification. Other background reports may also be conducted depending on the position.
• Recurrent Ocean Lifeguards are "At Will" employees who work on a seasonal, as needed, basis. Hours vary and will include weekends and holidays.

OCEAN LIFEGUARD ACADEMY

• Training classes are conducted at the Marine Safety Training Center. Tentative dates are February 27, 28, March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, April 3, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24.
• A second academy will be held May 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, and June 1-9 straight through.
• New Hires are required to attend all scheduled classes.
• Ocean Lifeguards will be compensated during their academy training.
• New Hires will receive lifeguard equipment (i.e. uniform, fins, sunglasses, etc.) and an annual beach parking pass.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Upon successful completion of the Ocean Lifeguard Academy, candidates will receive certification by the Red Cross in Emergency Medical Response.

Supplemental information

Must have physical strength, endurance, and ability required to perform the essential functions of the job, including: swimming, running, walking, standing, climbing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, sitting for extended periods of time and the ability to drag up to 150 pounds. Must be able to withstand prolonged exposure to the beach and ocean environment, including prolonged exposure to cold weather, water, and sun. May be exposed to hazardous materials and communicable diseases. Employees of this classification must be able to demonstrate before hire and annually thereafter the ability to swim 1,000 yards within 15 minutes.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program; due to the performance of field duties that may require operation of a City vehicle. Only employees 18 years or older may be assigned to drive a City vehicle. At time of hire or upon reaching 18 years of age, must provide proof of a valid California driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Must maintain acceptable driving record throughout employment with the City.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.