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Ocean Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Lifeguard/Beach Patrol Opening Date: 05/13/2026 Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern SUMMARY Under the Ocean Rescue Lieutenant, provides skilled protection of the lives, health, safety and ...

Ocean Lifeguard

Stuart, FL

$12 - $15.50/hr

Ocean Lifeguard/Beach Patrol Under the Ocean Rescue Lieutenant, provides skilled protection of the lives, health, safety and welfare of the public visiting Martin County beaches. In the event of a ...

Ocean Guard

Nags Head, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Ocean Lifeguard Position The Town of Nags Head, located on the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina, is now accepting ocean lifeguard applications for the 2026 summer season. The Town's Ocean ...

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Ocean Lifeguard information

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$9

$24

$68

How much do ocean lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for ocean lifeguard in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ocean Lifeguard, and why are they important?

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 are some common challenges 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 are ocean lifeguards?

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 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.

More about Ocean Lifeguard jobs
What cities are hiring for Ocean Lifeguard jobs? Cities with the most Ocean Lifeguard job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Lifeguard jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Lifeguard jobs are:
What states have the most Ocean Lifeguard jobs? States with the most job openings for Ocean Lifeguard jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ocean Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 33% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 12% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Ocean Lifeguard Lieutenant

Ocean Lifeguard Lieutenant

Brevard County

Satellite Beach, FL

$25.01 - $25.30/hr

Other

Posted 11 hours ago


Brevard County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 641 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Department:Fire Rescue Department

Organizational Unit:Ocean Rescue

Position Type:Permanent Full Time/Part Time:Full Time

Open Until Filled.

$25.01 to $25.30 hourly. Actual salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Beachside/Travels Countywide.Work schedule is variable and includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.Performs skilled protective service work guarding the safety of patrons at assigned ocean beaches and provides information pertaining to beach and ocean conditions.

REQUIREMENTS:A high school diploma or its equivalent, as required by the Florida Department of Health,PLUSsix hundred (600) hours of documented hands-on experience working as an ocean lifeguard.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess, or obtain prior to employment, a valid Florida driver's license and maintain said license during the term of employment. Must possess a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or a State of Florida Paramedic certification and maintain said certification in an active status during the term of employment. Must be able to successfully complete the Brevard County Lifeguard Performance Test annually, which includes swimming 500 meters in an ocean environment and a physical agility test, in accordance with the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Advanced Guidelines. Must possess, or obtain by the completion of the Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Level I Officer Training Program, a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from an approved agency and maintain said certification in an active status during the term of employment. Must possess, or obtain by the completion of the Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Level I Officer Training Program, an Emergency Medical Responder certification from an approved agency and maintain said certification in an active status during the term of employment. Must be able to successfully complete the Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Level I Officer Training Program, which includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ICS-100 and ICS-200 certifications. Must be capable at all times of meeting the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of this classification, as specified in the Brevard County Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue Division Manual. Must be of good moral character, as determined by a local Clerk of Court, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background investigation. Must be able to successfully pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check administered by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO).In the event of a hurricane, major storm, natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

(With or without reasonable accommodations)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES / TRAITS

  1. The employee must be able to:
    • LIFT:50 lbs. or more
    • CARRY:50 lbs. or more
    • PUSH:50 lbs. or more
    • PULL:50 lbs. or more

  2. In an eight hour day, the employee may have to:
    • STAND:5 - 8 hours
    • WALK:5 - 8 hours
    • SIT:5 - 8 hours
    • DRIVE:5 - 8 hours

  3. The employee must repetitively perform:
    • Fine manipulation (ex. writing, wiring); Operating foot controls; Pulling; Pushing; Simple grasping (ex. pen, screwdriver)

  4. The employee must be able to:
    • Balance; Bend; Climb; Crawl; Dig; Jump; Kneel; Reach; Run; Smell; Stoop

  5. The employee must have:
    • Color Perception; Good distant vision; Good hearing; Good near vision; Good speech; Other; Use of both eyes

  6. Other necessary physical activities/traits
    • N/A


WORKING CONDITIONS

  1. Working conditionsthat will apply to the employee:
    • At heights above/below ground level; Below ground level (ditches, tunnels, etc.; In cold; In dampness or chilly conditions; In heat; In high humidity; In or with dusty conditions; In or with moving objects or vehicles; In or with noisy conditions; On or with ladders or scaffolding; On slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Other working conditions; With chemicals or solvents; With electricity; With explosives; With feet, legs or hands in water; With fumes, smoke, gases or flames; With grease; With hazardous materials; With lawn grasses, plants, etc.; With odors; With oils; With poor lighting; With poor ventilation; With radiant energy (x-rays, etc.); With silica, fiberglass, etc.; With vibrations (jackhammers, etc.); Work alone; Work inside; Work outside; Works Closely with Others

  2. Other working conditions:
    • N/A

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