Ocean Water Lifeguard

Please read this entire job posting carefully prior to applying!

An employee in this class performs beach and open water rescue. Incumbents provide continuous surveillance from a station or tower or assist in patrolling an area of beach and adjacent ocean utilizing a four-wheel drive vehicle. Emphasis of the work is on observing actual or potential violations of beach ordinances and rules, warning the public of ocean hazards (jellyfish, sharks, rip currents, etc) and respond to patrons who are potentially or already in need of rescue or assistance. Positions in this class exercise on a daily basis to ensure optimum physical strength, stamina, and endurance to execute rescues in all types of ocean water conditions. The employee reports to a senior lifeguard or supervisor and is evaluated on the basis of achieving daily and weekly performance objectives, compliance with safety requirements, following defined procedures, and positive public feedback on services by beach and ocean patrons.

Pay Dependent Upon Qualifications and prior experience with Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue. Minimum pay rate is $18.00/hour.

Candidates MUST be able to attend swim tryouts on either April 26th or May 4th at 10:00am at the Hamlet beach access.  Minors are welcome to apply, but must have a parent/legal guardian present at try-outs to sign a Release form.

Candidates must be able to commit to two-weeks of paid on-the-job training to be held May 7th - May 22nd daily from approximately 4pm - 8pm.  Work in the stands begins May 23, 2025. 

Note: We expect a large applicant pool.  Not every candidate who applies will be extended an employment offer.  Employed offers will be EMAILED Monday, May 5th.  Candidates should check their spam folders. Employment offers will be emailed to the email address supplied when applying for the job and placed on the application.  Double check that the email address provided is accurate when applying!

• Conducts continuous surveillance of assigned beach and ocean for signs of swimmers in distress and potential hazards such as rip currents, large surf, and backwash
• Executes single and multiple-victim rescues in all ocean water conditions using rescue cans or rescue boards; rescues victims and removes from harm using department approved techniques
• Administers first aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) to victims of near-drowning, heart attack, seizure, heat exhaustion, broken bones, lacerations, jellyfish or stingray stings, or other medical emergencies; transfers care of seriously injured victims to medical provider or appropriate personnel for provision of equal or higher-level care
• Opens lifeguard tower at beginning of shift, checking equipment such as rescue cans and rescue boards, telephone, radios, first aid equipment, resuscitator equipment, and defibrillator; reports malfunctions; observes and reports beach and ocean conditions by patrolling assigned area of responsibility
• Notifies supervisor upon suspicion or report of a suspected sewage or hazardous materials spill
• Enforces beach ordinances and rules prohibiting activities such as use of illegal flotation devices, boats too close to shore, and surfboards in swimming areas; reports other incidents such as dogs on the beach, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or fights to area supervisor
• Responds to questions from patrons regarding matters such as tide tables, weather conditions and forecasts, ocean conditions, or any other public information contact inquiry
• Maintains log book by entering information regarding rescues, first aid rendered, and other unusual events; writes a narrative account of major incidents
• Engages in the physical fitness program established by the department in order to maintain sufficient capability to perform ocean lifesaving duties
• May perform special assignment duties including youth programs, training instructor, and other duties requiring a specialized skill set
• Regularly and predictably attends work
• Performs related duties as required

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of first aid, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), dealing with hazardous materials, and swimming and lifesaving techniques
• Knowledge of beach ordinances and rules, ocean conditions such as tides, currents, ocean floor conditions, and wave actions and their effects in order to protect life
• Knowledge of the beach environment and property in an assigned area of ocean beach
• Working knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations, and techniques used in a comprehensive aquatics program
• Ability to operate and maintain various hand tools and rescue equipment and floatation devices
• Ability to enforce safety and health regulations relating to beach and ocean rescue
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively with beach patrons; ability to enforce beach and ocean rules with firmness and resolve
• Ability to give and understand oral instructions

Physical Requirements
This is medium work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to run, swim, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and their hands and arms to reach. The employee is frequently required to climb up or down from an observation tower. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees are required to perform exercises at the beginning and during the shift schedule to remain fit in the event of a quick response to an emergency situation.

Working Conditions
Work in this class is performed primarily in an outdoor setting with frequent exposure to the rays of the sun, wind, and sand conditions. Employee is also exposed to potential for biting insects, fish or other ocean life, sharp shells, broken glass or cans on the beach, and other lifeguarding hazards. Employees are exposed to the potential of coming into contact with blood borne pathogens in the course of rescue and lifesaving work and are required to wear and utilize specialized personal protective equipment. Employees are also exposed to the potential for physical harm or verbal abuse by intoxicated or belligerent beach patrons. This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive.


Education
Preferred - Graduation from high school or GED equivalency 

Experience
One (1) to two (2) years' of beach lifeguard experience
 
Special Requirements:

• Valid North Carolina driver's license is required to operate beach vehicles and ocean rescue equipment. (Preferred for Entry-Level candidates).
• At least 16 years of age
• Certified in aquatic rescue, CPR and open water lifesaving by the United States Lifesaving Association
• Positions in this class must successfully complete an annual swim re-certification by swimming a minimum of 500 meters in the ocean within ten minutes, and a one-mile beach run in under 8 minutes. 
• Employee required to successfully complete the NIMS course work applicable to the position within one year

Note - position has been deemed Safety Sensitive and has potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Immunizations against bloodborne pathogens is appropriate for this position.

Salary : $18