Ocean Lifeguard I-Recurrent

City of Huntington Beach • Huntington Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Recurrent Ocean Lifeguards are "At Will" employees who work on a seasonal, as needed, basis. Hours vary and will include weekends and holidays.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• New Hires will receive lifeguard equipment (i.e. uniform, fins, sunglasses, etc.) and an annual beach parking pass.
• Upon successful completion of the Ocean Lifeguard Academy, candidates will receive certification by the Red Cross in Emergency Medical Response.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed