Lifeguard, Beach:  Sarasota County is home to 35 miles of beautiful white sand beaches, and we need your help to keep the residents and visitors safe. Our beach lifeguards patrol to prevent accidents and maintain order. Lifeguards also rescues swimmers in distress and administer medical assistance (first aid and CPR) when necessary and enforce County ordinances. 

Lifeguard, Beach:  This is work patrolling County operated beaches to prevent accidents and maintaining order.  Rescues swimmers in distress and administers medical assistance (first aid and CPR) when necessary and enforces County ordinances.  Duties also include maintenance tasks.

  Duties:

• Keeps beaches safe by maintaining order and discipline.
• Rescues swimmers in distress.  Administers first aid and/or CPR, Automated External Defibrillator, and oxygen administration following appropriate medical protocol; calls for emergency assistance when necessary.
• Works to prevent swimming accidents before they occur.
• May operate County issued equipment, which includes radios, vehicles, boats and jet skis and performs preventative equipment maintenance duties.
• Inspects assigned areas to insure proper warning signs and safety devices are properly posted or in place.
• Assists the public by providing beach condition information including unsafe or hazardous swimming conditions.
• Explains and interprets operational and programmatic rules and regulations to patrons; enforces or refers enforcement to proper authorities.
• Resolve problems related to lost property.
• Completes incident reports, daily operational reports and performs statistical record reporting.
• Assists in aquatic programs such as learn-to-swim classes, water safety classes and special events.
• Maintains inventory of first aid supplies.
• Assists in public relations including answering phone, customer service, and taking messages.

Minimum Qualifications:   **Must be at least 18 years of age

• A High School Diploma or its equivalent. 
• Ability to pass the Sarasota County 's Basic Lifeguard Performance Test.
• Ability to complete the Lifeguard Training Program Curriculum, CPR certification and First Responder Training certification. 
• Ability to re-qualify for certification.
• Valid Florida Driver License by time of hire.

                          **** Testing is conducted in the ocean for Beach Lifeguards.

Test Schedule:

9:00 am.   Orientation

9:30 am.   500 Meter swim (10:00 minute time limit)

10:00 am. 1/2 mile run (4:00 minute time limit)

11:00 am.  200 yard beach run with 50 yard swim rescue (4:00 minute time limit)

 **Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five years.

 Job Based Competencies:

• Knowledge of local and state water safety rules and regulation, pertinent rules, regulations and County Ordinances and Sarasota County Aquatic Safety operating procedures, and Safety/Maintenance requirements for beach. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of lifesaving skills and resuscitation techniques including approved water rescue and accident prevention techniques, emergency procedures, simulation drills, water safety practices/procedures and policies, first aid and CPR, Automated External Defibrillator and oxygen administration.
• Knowledge of appropriate ways of dealing with individuals in emergency situations.
• Skill in surf swimming, lifesaving, CPR, AED, Oxygen administration, and first-aid.
• Skill in operating small watercraft.
• Ability to prevent dangerous situations from arising, recognize emergencies and take effective action.
• Ability to follow rigid safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to make decisions and function effectively in a high stress, emergency situation including ability to react efficiently and effectively in emergency rescue situations.
• Ability to respond to the public in a calm, effective manner including exercising tact, firmness and good judgment in enforcing rules and regulations relating to beach activities. 
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to operate communications and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to make accurate observations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to prepare concise written reports.
• Ability to establish\maintain effective working relationships.
• Emergency Communication Radios, AED, Jet Ski, 4x4 Off Road Vehicle, Truck.

Hours/Days or Work Schedule:  Lifeguards must be available to work Sunday through Saturday.   Hours of work are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   

Special Note:  Must pass the biannual re-qualification physical skills testing.

This position works where children regularly congregate and in accordance with Florida Statues applicants must pass criminal sexual predator and sexual offender check background check.

Physical Demands:   Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  This position works outdoors and during red-tide there may be fumes/airborne particles.  There is also risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. 

Beach Lifeguards have demanding jobs, with the benefit of an “office”  on the beautiful Gulf coast. If you’re ready to join a fun, fast-paced team to make Sarasota the premier community to live, work and play, apply now!

Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA