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Ocean Lifeguard Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The St. James

Lifeguard Sergeant (5593)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Lifeguard Sergeant Department of Safety & Rescue Springfield Flagship Springfield, Virginia Great ... Ocean rescue, surf rescue, waterfront rescue, ski patrol, EMS, fire, military, or other emergency ...

The St. James

Lifeguard Sergeant (5593)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Lifeguard Sergeant Department of Safety & Rescue Springfield Flagship | Springfield, Virginia Great ... Ocean rescue, surf rescue, waterfront rescue, ski patrol, EMS, fire, military, or other emergency ...

All JobsOcean Lifeguard JobsOcean Lifeguard Jobs in Virginia

Ocean Lifeguard information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$24

$68

How much do ocean lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for ocean lifeguard in Virginia is $24.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ocean lifeguard?

Ocean lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers at oceanfront locations. They monitor beach conditions, perform rescues, provide first aid, and educate the public about water safety. Ocean lifeguards are skilled in swimming, CPR, and emergency response, and they play a crucial role in preventing accidents and responding quickly to emergencies in the water.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an ocean lifeguard?

To thrive as an Ocean Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and valid lifeguard certification such as American Red Cross or USLA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/CPR/AED systems, and communication devices is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, quick decision-making, and effective communication skills help you respond rapidly and reassure the public. These skills are critical for ensuring swimmer safety, preventing accidents, and providing lifesaving interventions in high-risk ocean environments.

What challenges do ocean lifeguards face during a typical shift?

Ocean lifeguards often contend with unpredictable and rapidly changing water conditions, such as strong currents, shifting tides, and sudden weather changes. They must remain highly alert for long periods while monitoring crowded beaches and responding swiftly to emergencies, all while maintaining clear communication with team members. Interacting with the public to provide safety information and enforce rules can also be challenging, requiring both diplomacy and authority. These factors make adaptability, teamwork, and strong situational awareness essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Ocean Lifeguard vs Beach Patrol Officer?

AspectOcean LifeguardBeach Patrol Officer
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentBeaches, oceanfronts, swimming areasBeaches, coastal areas, public beaches
Employer & IndustryPublic beaches, resorts, aquatic facilitiesMunicipal agencies, coastal authorities
Primary ResponsibilitiesRescue swimmers, monitor water safety, enforce rulesEnforce beach regulations, assist visitors, safety patrols

Both Ocean Lifeguards and Beach Patrol Officers work in beach environments and require similar certifications. However, Ocean Lifeguards focus primarily on water rescues and swimmer safety, while Beach Patrol Officers often handle broader safety enforcement and visitor assistance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path in beach safety roles.

How do you become an ocean lifeguard?

To become an ocean lifeguard, candidates typically need to be at least 15 or 16 years old, complete a lifeguard training course such as Lifeguard Certification, and pass a swimming and rescue skills test. Certification in CPR and first aid is also usually required, and ongoing training is necessary to maintain certification and stay prepared for rescue situations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia?

For Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Ocean Lifeguard jobs in Virginia are:

Ocean Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Lifeguard job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,017 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Shallow Water Lifeguard

Ocean Breeze Waterpark

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$14 - $15.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

No previous lifeguard experience or certification required.
Lifeguard certification classes offered through Ocean Breeze Waterpark.
Benefits:
  • FREE Season Pass
  • Free Tickets
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Career Development
  • Bonus Opportunities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and provide surveillance of swimmers according to the established protection standards
  • Perform water rescues on guests in distress
  • Provide basic first aid and emergency care
  • Maintain knowledge of and consistently enforce the rules and regulations of the water park (including attraction requirements such as height restrictions, weight restrictions, proper riding position, etc.)
  • Attend weekly in-service training sessions to maintain CPR, first aid, and rescue skills at a rescue ready level
  • Communicate with others, including the use of emergency phones, whistles, and hand signals
  • Assist customers in safely riding attractions
  • Be attentive
  • Maintain a professional image
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment for customers and other team members
  • Provide superior guest service to all customers in a polite and expedient manner
  • Assist customers with questions regarding Ocean Breeze Waterpark
  • Follow park policies and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 15 years of age
  • Ability to successfully complete and pass a Jeff Ellis and Associate lifeguard training course. Courses offered through Ocean Breeze Waterpark. No prior certification required.
  • Excellent recognition skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, team members, and leadership
  • Ability to accept guidance and supervision
  • Be aware, attentive, and work well with others
  • Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions while taking precautions, including hydration and sun-protection
Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to swim a minimum of 50 yards for Shallow Water Lifeguards or 200 yards for Special Facilities Lifeguards using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke without resting
  • Must be able to perform a feet-first surface dive to retrieve a 10-lb. brick from depths up to 5 feet for Shallow Water Lifeguards and up to depths of 10 feet for Special Facilities Lifeguards, and bring it to the surface
  • Must be able to tread water without using arms for 2 minutes for Special Facilities Lifeguards. No Tread required for Shallow Water Lifeguards.
  • Shallow Water lifeguards must swim underwater for a distance of 10 feet.
  • Must have 20/25 corrected vision
  • Must have hearing and speech, manual and bi-manual dexterity, fine and gross motor skills, and eye/hand coordination.
  • Must be able to get in and out of a pool without the use of a ladder
  • Must be comfortable jumping in the water from varying heights
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Must be able to respond to situations quickly. This may include running to various locations around the park while carrying an equipment bag weighing up to 25lbs.
  • Must be able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time

We also offer a retention bonus of up to $500 for team members that average a certain number of hours per week during the qualifying time period and work through a specified date. Details about eligibility requirements for the Retention Bonus will be provided at a later date.
Jump into our talent pool! Are you looking for a fun, outdoor, summer job and great co-workers?
Flexible schedules! Free season pass for yourself and free tickets for friends and family!
No experience is required for most of our positions. We will train you and you will learn and build job skills.
Pay Range: $14.00 - $15.25 per hour

Apply