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.

Job Description:

• 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 ensure 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.

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

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)

Job 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 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.

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. 

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.

**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.

Pay: $15.05

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! 
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms and classes at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco Free/Drug Free Workplace

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identification or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5741.