BEACH LIFEGUARD I-II

About the Department

Work Location: 2651 Gulf Drive South Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217

This classification is responsible for the protection of life and enforcing all beach safety rules and ordinance violations on County beaches. The position is responsible for advanced technical work in providing water rescue and administering basic emergency medical care with the possibility of transportation, as defined in Florida Statute, Florida Administrative Code, and local Medical Director-authored protocols. Responds to water and land-borne emergencies and effect rescues of beachgoers, boaters, and patrons in the surf environment as well as on shore. Serves in a lifesaving as well as a community-oriented capacity.

Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).

Note: FRS Retirement Class:

Beach Lifeguard I: Special Risk for EMT License, with $1.00 per hr. incentive for EMT license, with $1.00 per hr. incentive for Rescue Diver certification.

Beach Lifeguard II: Special Risk for EMT License, $1.00 per hr. incentive for Rescue Diver certification

Working Conditions
Outdoor and marine environment (surface and underwater); high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Swimming long distances, treading water for long durations while handling victims, climbing aboard vessels, working around and under piers and jetty structures. Lifting people and equipment up to 100 lbs. alone; up to 150 lbs. with assistance.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment screenings will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Position Duties

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

All Positions:

Observes and supervises the activities of bathers; keeps close check on ocean and weather conditions to identify potential dangers.

Initiates or assists with the rescue of patrons on the beach and/or in the water; administers first aid or life saving techniques as indicated; dispatches emergency vehicles.

Administration of appropriate patient care at Department approved status (First Responder/EMR or EMT) and as defined by Florida State Statute, in all emergency medical situations provides on-scene emergency medical care including basic patient assessments, hemorrhage control, basic airway control, and provides for the comfort of the patient both physically and mentally. This administration of care shall be based upon the Department medical protocols and any other polices and/or procedures set forth by the Department.

Participates in on-going training programs for Beach Lifeguard personnel.

Maintains log of daily procedures; oversees maintenance of equipment and inventory of supplies.

Applies working knowledge of County codes, ordinances, and enforcement procedures; enforces same impartially through professional firmness and tact.

Works independently, or as a team member, and carries out duties with minimal direction; thinks and acts quickly, calmly and appropriately in emergency situations and under stressful conditions.

Completes accurate patient care reports, records and other reports as required.

Must complete and maintain departmental guidelines related to swimming proficiency which includes a time standard over a specified distance. The worker is subject to extended swimming over great distances at a variety of speeds and to immersion in a variety of aquatic environments for prolonged periods with little or no floatation or protective clothing.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Beach Lifeguard I:

Performs job duties as a Personal Rescue Craft (PRC) Rescuer in a water rescue emergency and actively responds to emergency calls on Manatee County Beaches.

Actively trains to become a PRC Patrol/Surf Operator under the supervision of command staff.

Beach Lifeguard II:

Performs job duties as a Personal Rescue Craft (PRC) Surf Patrol Operator in high surf and the capability to safely deploy a PRC Rescuer when needed in water rescue emergencies. Maintains the ability to actively and responsibly respond to emergency water rescue calls on Manatee County Beaches, waterways, and all surrounding areas. Will respond with other emergency agencies for water rescues, emergency medical care and Dive Rescue operations. Takes operational command of a scene until released by hire authority. Actively trains in PRC Operations under the supervision of command staff.

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls; provides on-the-scene emergency medical care including basic patient assessments, patient packaging and extrication, splinting, hemorrhage control, basic airway control, and application of oxygen; provides for the comfort of the patient both physically and mentally.

Potential for extreme strenuous activity and the incumbent is commonly called upon to complete tasks under severe and/or hazardous conditions. Incumbents must be in good physical condition to meet the extreme demands of water rescue activities, and Emergency Medical Technician skills.

Operates emergency vehicles and vessels in both emergency and non-emergency modes in a safe manner, obeying the laws and rules of the State of Florida and Manatee County. Maintains satisfactory driving record at all times.

Applies working knowledge of County codes, ordinances, and enforcement procedures; enforces same impartially through professional firmness and tact.

Maintains thorough knowledge of the service area including, but not limited to, roadways and streets, schools, medical facilities, major businesses, and recreational areas.

Minimum Qualifications

All Positions:

High school diploma or equivalent certificate of competency.

Must be able to demonstrate successfully 50 meters of each of the following swim strokes in a pool: Freestyle, Breaststroke, Sidestroke and Backstroke.

Must be able to run ½ mile in 3:30 minutes or less, swim 500 meters in open water in 10 minutes or less and demonstrate a non-equipment rescue of an active, panicked victim from 100 meters offshore.

Must be able to demonstrate paddling a rescue board approximately 200 meters.

Must acquire and maintain American Heart Association BLS certification within 30 day from hire date.

Beach Lifeguard I:

Must complete the following prior to beginning any beach activities/training/or lifeguard duties of any kind: ASI Advanced First Aid course and must successfully pass with an additional of 4-hour medical training (1-hour obtaining medical information and vital signs, 1-hours Geriatric patient care, 1-hour infants and children patient care, 1-hour administering oxygen and oxygen therapy). Must pass Lifeguard skills test of rescue techniques within 3 weeks of hire date.

EMT and Open Water scuba certification desired within one year of hire date.

Must acquire and maintain HSI (ASHI) EMR or American Red Cross EMR Certification within 1 year of hire.

Minimum of three (3) months' experience as a professional lifeguard is desired.

Beach Lifeguard II:

Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a professional lifeguard.

Must have and maintain Florida Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Must possess and maintain a current AHA CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification.

Open Water Diver, Advanced Scuba and Rescue Diver certifications issued by a nationally recognized certifying agency are desired.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

All Positions:

Ability to recognize developing dangerous situations and to take effective action.

Ability to maintain courteous and effective relationships with co-workers and the public.

Ability to perform rigorous physical activity and to work for long periods of time under adverse weather conditions.

Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 150 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient.

Beach Lifeguard I:

Ability to learn approved water safety and lifesaving methods and practices.

Ability to learn advance first aid practices and procedures. CPR and First Aid Certifications are preferred.

Ability in swimming and rescuing endangered persons in the ocean.

Ability to learn how to use rescue, first aid, and lifesaving techniques and equipment in the open ocean environment and on land.

Ability to perform rigorous physical activity and to work for long periods of time under adverse weather conditions.

Beach Lifeguard II:

Knowledge of approved water safety and lifesaving methods and practices.

Knowledge of Basic and Emergency Medical Care, Incident Command System (ICS), basic rescue procedures, Basic Hazardous Materials Response, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and patient handling techniques.

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and regulations, or ability to acquire such knowledge within a reasonable period prior to completion of orientation.

Knowledge of emergency vehicle operations including All Terrain Vehicles, Personal Watercraft and demonstrate trailer skills (for loading and unloading PRC and ATV).

Ability to train and supervise the work of others effectively.

Ability to communicate clearly, effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, including understanding and following instructions and other materials.

Skill in using rescue, first aid, and lifesaving techniques and equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees, other emergency service personnel and the public.

Ability to perform emergency rescue and medical procedures with skill and sound judgment and to be able to meet challenges and adapt to unusual situations in an acceptable manner.

Ability and knowledge to operate an Automatic External Defibrillator with skill and confidence.

Ability to accurately obtain patient vital signs including pulse, respirations and auscultated blood pressure; ability to determine skin conditions and colors; ability to perform basic patient assessments.

Skill in providing CPR and other medical services under varied conditions.

Excellent public relations and communications skills.