Beach Safety Lifeguard

About the Department

Starting Pay Rate:$17.00 per hour 
Job Summary
The public beaches are used for recreational swimming and playing, surfing and many other special activities throughout the year. Lifeguards are employed to patrol the beach to oversee the aquatic activities taking place and to ensure the safety of those patrons that are utilizing the public beaches. Lifeguards are responsible for providing protection of life on public beaches, basic life support assistance on an emergency basis for the care and treatment of sick and injured person(s), and assists with the enforcement of safety rules, regulations and ensuring the safety of beach patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. In addition, lifeguards are employed to perform any other assigned duties when not actively serving in the role as a lifeguard and beach safety.

Supervisory responsibilities:
None

Essential functions:

• Recognize and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Enforce all city ordinances pertaining to the public beaches to include beach safety ordinances.
• Observes and supervises the activities of the public; monitors marine and weather conditions; identifies potential dangers and takes effective action.
• Initiates or assists with the rescue of patrons in the beach and/or in the water;
• Administers first aid or lifesaving techniques as indicated, provides basic life support care and treatment of sick and injured persons, uses rescue equipment and dispatches emergency vehicles.
• Assist with control of scene and non-injured persons.
• Maintains log of daily procedures and completes reports and forms associated with patient care.
• Operate and conduct daily maintenance of motorized vehicles according to city regulations.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and in-service training sessions, maintains current professional certifications as required.
• Maintain a positive rapport and image with the public.
• Perform other duties as directed or assigned by supervisors.
• Report any difficulties, complaints, accidents, and damages to the Beach Safety Supervisor or Beach Safety Division Chief
• Informs Beach Safety Supervisor or Beach Safety Division Chief when equipment needs repair of maintenance.
• Checks to ensure that all safety and rescue equipment is in the proper working order on a daily basis.
• Swim regularly as specified by the supervisor.
• Makes decisions regarding unsafe activities that may lead to injury to beach patrons.

• Thorough knowledge and application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques.
• An understanding of beach characteristics, ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in all techniques and systems for the assurance of the patron and employee safety, lifeguarding principles and emergency actions required for the health and well-being of swimmers and other patrons of the public beaches.
• Displays skill in swimming and rescuing endangered persons in the gulf.

• Prerequisite Swim: 500 Meters / 550 Yards in 10 minutes or less.
• Possess a valid Alabama Driver’s License with vessel endorsement.
• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age or older.
• Pass employment drug screening and physical.
• Willing to work nights, weekends, holidays and other non-standard hours when necessary.

• One-year experience as a lifeguard is preferred.
• Emergency Medical Technician preferred.

• United Stated Lifesaving Association Surf Lifesaving Certificate (must attend in house academy prior to hire)
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Adult, Infant, Child

• First-aid or First Responder/EMR
  Emergency Vehicle Operators Course