What are the responsibilities and job description for the Beach Safety Supervisor position at City of Panama City Beach?
This position responds to beach-related and other emergency incidents to rescue victims, and perform other duties as required. The Beach Lifeguard Supervisor will actively patrol the assigned beach areas and coordinate/oversee a team of lifeguards to ensure beach safety, high-quality proactive and reactive rescue skills, preventative actions, and customer service functions.
In addition to providing experienced ocean and beach surveillance, rescue, and EMS functions, the Beach Lifeguard Supervisor will work with the assigned Aquatic Rescue Response Team member to coordinate training and Fire Rescue personnel support. The Supervisor will answer citizens’ questions and concerns, provide patient care services according to protocol under general supervision, and competently perform related duties in accordance with the United States Lifesaving Service Association’s (USLA) best practices.
- Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents; establishes command until relieved by a superior officer; develops and initiates initial action plans; supervises and directs personnel safely, effectively, and efficiently.
- Performs lifeguard duties as assigned.
- Maintains control and assumes command under stressful situations.
- Supervises and participates in providing life-saving measures and emergency medical care to the public.
- Coordinates and directs emergency and non-emergency functions of assigned employees; trains, assigns, directs, and supervises a team of lifeguards.
- Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel.
- Directs the maintenance of station grounds, equipment, and apparatus; conducts or oversees inspections to ensure operational readiness.
- Plans, assigns, directs, and participates in lifesaving prevention efforts and public education activities.
- Completes a variety of required reports.
- Provides beach safety education to the public.
- Maintains familiarity with the beach area and understands the varying levels of competency of our beachgoers with open water risks.
- Completes any updates and disseminates any warnings or beach safety warning flag changes.
- Demonstrates ability to develop and maintain effective communications and relationships with all departments and agencies involved in the activities involved in coordinating services.
- Maintains supply inventory and makes purchases as needed.
- Provides emergency care and First Aid treatment until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
- Carries out dry-land and in-water missing person searches and other safety interventions and preventive actions as required to prevent death or injury, minimize risk, and maintain public safety.
- Operates a patrol vehicle on the beach to monitor patrons, with particular attention to swimmers; acts immediately and appropriately to secure the safety of patrons; carries out the rescue of persons in difficulty or distress; informs command staff when back-up is required.
- Educates the public about beach safety and the beach flag warning system; advises patrons of dangers and provides advice to minimize risks.
- Assesses and monitors prevailing surf conditions; communicates with command staff regarding changes to the beach safety flag; changes flags as directed.
- Completes daily incident and activity reports.
- Performs the duties of the Director in his or her absence.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
- Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years of experience or service.
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
- Possession of and ability to maintain United States Lifeguarding Association (USLA) open-water rescue certification.
- Possession of or ability to acquire and maintain appropriate state EMT certification within one year of hire. Must be in good standing and cleared by Medical Director.
- Possession of and ability to maintain CPR and USLA Instructor certification within one year of hire.
- CPR certification.
- Emergency Vehicle Operations Course and Personal Watercraft Instructor certifications preferred.
- Annual physical is required. The physical will be offered through the department at no cost to the employee. If the employee chooses not to take part in the department physical, then they will be required to obtain a physical meeting the exact same specifications as the department’s physical from their primary physician at the employee’s own expense. Documentation will be provided to the department stating the employee is “Fit for Duty” or “Not Fit for Duty”.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of the operation of all apparatus and equipment and methods used in beach safety.
- Knowledge of USLA lifeguarding standards, practices, strategies, tactics, and equipment.
- Knowledge of emergency medical protocols, principles, and practices.
- Knowledge of the department's rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance principles.
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
- Skill in the use of a computer and a records management system.
- Skill in the use of radios and communication equipment.
- Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Beach Safety Director or designee assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include local, state, and federal laws and regulations; medical protocols; and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of varied supervisory, technical, and emergency response duties. The numbers of beach patrons contribute to the complexity of the work.
- The purpose of this position is to direct and supervise the Department’s beach safety programs and activities. Successful performance helps ensure the safety of the public.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typical with co-workers, other City employees, representatives of other emergency response agencies, local business owners, and the public.
- Contacts are typical to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and educate the public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
- The work is typically performed while operating on the sandy beach, except while at lifesaving or other emergency scenes. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures, hazardous situations, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
The Beach Safety Lifeguard Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions to Beach Safety Responders, Part-Time and Seasonal Lifeguards. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.
**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Salary : $24 - $31
