Ocean Rescue Lifeguard - Part Time

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners•County Beaches, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ocean Rescue Lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all beachgoers by providing vigilant supervision, proactive prevention, and emergency response. This position requires strong swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure to perform water rescues and administer first aid when needed. In addition to responding to emergencies, lifeguards enforce beach regulations, educate the public on water safety, and maintain lifesaving equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Applicant must possess Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification at time of application.
Applicant must possess valid American Heart or American Red Cross CPR certification at time of employment.
Must be able to pass ocean rescue agility testing which consists of 1) a 200 yard buoy rescue and ¾ mile run in 14 minutes or less and 2) 500 meter swim in 10 minutes or less.
Understanding of ocean currents, tides, and weather patterns, and knowledge of approved water rescue methodology.
Must maintain high level of skill in life saving techniques and ocean swimming.
Ability to handle frightened or injured persons in the water and to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
Knowledge of applicable county rules, regulations, and ordinances related to park and beach use and the ability to use and exercise tact, firmness, and good judgment in enforcement of such rules and regulations.
Ability to perform under physical and mental stress and to meet the physically arduous challenge routinely presented in water rescue of drowning persons.
Required to pass Level 2 FDLE Background Screening.
Physical requirements: Ability to swim long distances in ocean conditions, including against strong currents. Strength to lift and carry individuals or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Endurance to run on sand and perform strenuous activities for extended periods. Tolerance to outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, heat, wind, and water temperatures.
As a condition of continued employment, Ocean Lifeguards must be able to pass annual re-testing of the physical skills assessments outlined in the Qualifications section above.
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations.
County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.
During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification, level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance.

Nice To Haves

Previous lifeguarding experience, particularly in ocean or open water environments, preferred.

Responsibilities

Scan the water/beaches for dangers and patrol beach on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle.
Locate and mark rip currents and hazardous areas
Monitor designated beach and water areas for potential hazards or unsafe behaviors.
Educate the public on water safety, flag warnings, and environmental conditions.
Take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Perform water rescues, retrieve distressed swimmers, and provide immediate assistance.
Administer first aid, CPR, or other lifesaving measures during emergencies.
Coordinate with emergency medical services and other rescue teams as needed.
Inspect, maintain, and repair lifeguard equipment, including rescue boards, buoys, and radios.
Ensure first aid kits and lifesaving tools are fully stocked and functional.
Report any equipment issues to supervisors promptly.
Participate in ongoing training, drills, and fitness assessments to maintain certifications and readiness.
Stay updated on ocean safety protocols, weather patterns, and rescue techniques.
Collaborate with team members during practice scenarios and evaluations.
Enforce beach policies and address unsafe activities or behaviors.
Communicate beach closures, safety alerts, and hazard warnings effectively.
Assist with crowd control during high-traffic periods or special events.