KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS NEEDED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Knowledge:

• Knowledge of approved water rescue methods, plus pre-hospital emergency medical care thru state and local protocols.

 
Abilities:

• Ability to rapidly learn rules and regulations in relation to park and beach activities and to exercise tact, firmness and good judgment in enforcing such rules and regulations.
• Ocean lifeguard protection of the lives, health, safety, and welfare of beach patrons within St. Lucie County beach parks.
• Ability to prevent dangerous situations from arising, recognize emergencies and take effective action.
• Ability to meet specific physical requirements as may be established by the Marine Safety Division. 

 
Skills:

• Skill in surf swimming, ocean lifesaving and BLS medical response.
• Must complete a beach test consisting of a ¾ mile beach run and an equipment rescue on a victim 100 yards from shore in 14 minutes or less.
• Annual requalification test consisting of a 500 meter pool swim in 10 minutes and a ½ mile run in 4 minutes or less.

 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION:

• Maintains order and discipline among bathers and other persons at assigned public swimming areas.
• Organization and proper self administration to produce a well organized program of learning and enforcing of public beach front safety and welfare.
• Applies resuscitation and administers pre-hospital emergency medical care when necessary.
• Assists in maintaining general appearance and cleanliness in area when able to do so without distraction from beach patrol. Performs related work as requested or assigned.

 
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Must complete a beach test consisting of a ¾ mile beach run and an equipment rescue on a victim 100 yards from shore in 14 minutes or less, a 500 meter pool swim in 10 minutes or less, and a ½ mile beach run in 4 minutes or less. Strength, agility and the ability to meet such specific physical requirements as established in the Marine Safety manual.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION REQUIREMENTS: Constantly working outside under adverse weather conditions (cold, rough seas, strong winds etc.) Come into contact with various dangerous marine animals (Man-of-Wars, stingrays, sharks etc.)
 
WORK HAZARDS: Inclement weather conditions and/or effects of sun exposure. Treating first aid victims w/ possible blood exposure, making rescues in adverse water conditions (i.e. cold, rough seas, strong rip currents).
 
SAFETY EQUIPMENT USED OR NEEDED: BLS first aid medical equipment (i.e. A.E.D., oxygen etc.), rescue boards, rescue cans and tubes. All terrain 4x4 vehicles.