Beach and Ocean Lifeguard

Position Summary: The beach and ocean lifeguard is charged with patrolling the Seaside beach area, responding to emergencies, water rescues, and prevention of accidents. Lifeguards are charged with interacting with the public on a daily basis providing information and education. This position works in close proximity with all Fire Department personnel and other lifeguards. May be responsible for taking initial incident command at an emergency scene until fire department personnel arrive.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Beach Lifeguard

Pay Classification: Regular, Part-Time ($17.00 - $21/hour)

Department: Fire Department (FIRE)

Supervision: Division Chief of Operations

Position & Schedule: Regular, Part-Time. This position requires weekend and holiday hours.

Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the Division Chief of Operations and/or his designees, the beach and ocean lifeguard is charged with patrolling the Seaside beach area, responding to emergencies, water rescues, and prevention of accidents. Lifeguards are charged with interacting with the public on a daily basis providing information and education. This position works in close proximity with all Fire Department personnel and other lifeguards. May be responsible for taking initial incident command at an emergency scene until fire department personnel arrive.

• Patrol and watch designated sections of the beach and water from an assigned station or vehicle.
• Provide water safety education and information to the public.
• Interact with the public on the beach, answer questions and assist beach patrons with problems as much as feasible, while maintaining a professional and courteous relationship with the public.
• Actively participate in drowning prevention actions to intercede before an emergency develops.
• Respond to and participate in water rescues.
• Provide First Aid, Medical attention, and CPR to those in need, including documentation of the contact.
• Advises beach patrons of Seaside Municipal ordinances as well as State of Oregon Parks beach regulations.
• Maintain radio communications with other beach lifeguards, the Fire Department, and Seaside Dispatch.
• Work closely with Seaside Fire & Rescue and the Seaside Police Department as required.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, and supplies in good working condition.
• Remove or notify Seaside Dispatch of any dangerous objects from the ocean and surf line that may pose a danger to persons.
• Participate during in-service training.
• Keep daily records of activities and operations.
• Maintains the beach area around the tower and semaphores, to include garbage and debris removal.
• Performs other duties as required.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Basic understanding of the ocean environment and rescue techniques employed by lifeguards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal relations ability.
• Comprehensive knowledge of First Aid, CPR, AED use, and cervical immobilization.
• Able to effectively operate emergency communications equipment.
• Able to operate department apparatus and equipment.
• Possess a valid Oregon driver license.
• Physical ability to perform the duties associated with this position.
• Ability to make sound decisions in non-emergency situations.
• Familiar with operation of all apparatus and equipment utilized by the lifeguards and ability to transfer that knowledge and skill to others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and evening shifts.
• Work is occasionally performed in emergency and stressful situations.
• Employee is exposed to hazards associated with the beach environment and rendering emergency medical assistance, including risk of drowning, bodily fluids, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, salt water, and sun exposure.
• Employee often works in the Pacific Ocean and in the surf zones.
• Noise levels are usually quiet in vehicle and lifeguard tower setting and loud during training and emergency scenes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO PERFORM TASKS:

• Frequently required to sit; talk and hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Often required to climb or balance; occasionally to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and smell.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally assist lifting and/or moving up to 250 pounds (with a team.).
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Strong physical stamina is needed to swim in the ocean, paddle rescue boards in the surfzone; provide a safe rescue for a person in distress from the water to the beach.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALTY COURSES:

Required prior to employment:

• Social Security Card
• Valid Oregon Driver's License
• Completion of the required pool and ocean swim tests

Required upon employment:

• Completion of all lifeguard training provided by Seaside Fire & Rescue
• Oregon ATV Safety Card

The following are recommended but NOT required to be considered:

• Current Lifeguard Certification is not Required
• American Heart Association, BLS CPR
• Oregon EMR or EMT Certification

The statements contained herein reflect typical details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the job in all areas of the city, and outside the city in an emergency, in the absence of a supervisor and without assistance, or until assistance is able to respond to the location.

SALARY: Regular part-time position ($17.00 - $21 per hour, DOE).

LAST UPDATE: February 28, 2023