Job Description

Posting number: 2026-190

Department: Police

Job classification: Ocean Rescue Lifeguard P/T

Posting type: Open

Categories: Parks and Beaches

Summary

Position Summary:

The purpose of this position is to perform water safety work involving the prevention of accidents and injuries and responding with the prompt performance of emergency lifesaving and first aid care as occasions require at municipal beaches.

Position Scope:

This is the entry level position in the Ocean Rescue series and Essential Personnel position. Incumbent must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Examples of duties

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Conducts continuous surveillance of assigned beach and ocean for signs of swimmers in distress and potential hazards such as rip currents, high waves, and backwash.
• Maintains order and discipline among bathers and other persons, to include enforcing pertinent county and city ordinances, at an assigned municipal swimming area.
• Executes single and multiple rescues in all ocean water conditions using rescue cans or rescue boards using department approved techniques. Rescues bathers in distress.
• Administers first aid to victims of near-drowning, heart attack, seizure, heat exhaustion, broken bones, lacerations, or other medical emergencies Applies resuscitation and administers first aid when necessary.
• May operate a rescue boat, jet ski, motor vehicle or other marine patrol/rescue equipment, motorized and non-motorized, to patrol the beach or the swimming area and rescue persons in distress.
• Assists in maintaining general appearance and cleanliness of assigned area when able to do so without distraction from life guarding. Completes daily reports and other reports as required or requested.
• Identifies and/or recommends cost control measures in the delivery of all services and functions in his/her department and under his/her area of responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of approved water rescue methods and specific first aid and lifesaving techniques.
• Skill in ocean swimming, lifesaving and first aid; skill in operating and/or using ocean rescue equipment and beach patrol vehicles. Skill, physical strength, and agility sufficient to meet such specific physical requirements to perform essential observation, water rescue and lifesaving duties.
• Ability to rapidly learn rules and regulations relating to beach activities and exercise tact, firmness and good judgment in enforcing such rules and regulations. Ability to prevent dangerous situations from arising, to recognize emergencies and to take effective action. Ability to work well with the public; ability to work effectively with employees from all City departments; ability to train and supervise others. Ability to meet and communicate with the public in an effective, courteous and diplomatic manner
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally orally; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to learn the operation, policy and procedures of the department and the City.

Supplemental information

Required Education & Experience:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by one (1) year experience as a lifeguard; or any acceptable related combination of training and experience.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid American Red Cross Lifeguard and valid American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required; Valid American Red Cross Standard First Aid certification required. Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) preferred.
• Valid Florida Driver's License at time of appointment.
• All required certifications and licenses must be maintained after appointment.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• The essential job functions of this position will require the employee to perform the following physical activities. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

On a continuous basis, run, swim, sit at desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to operate a motor vehicle. Frequently required to see, hear and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means. Frequently required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, taste, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment and field equipment and tools; on occasion lift or carry weight of up to 50 pounds. Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid weather conditions, mechanical moving parts, vibration, high places, fumes and/or airborne particles, chemicals, loud noise, and risk of electric shock. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Additional Information:

• There is a one-year probationary period.
• It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and/or certifications as a job requirement.
• Background screenings are conducted through the Clearinghouse @ https://info.flclearinghouse.com.