Ocean Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Ocean Rescue Lifeguard's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all beachgoers by providing vigilant supervision, proactive prevention, and emergency response. This position requires strong swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure to perform water rescues and administer first aid when needed. In addition to responding to emergencies, lifeguards enforce beach regulations, educate the public on water safety, and maintain lifesaving equipment.

Surveillance & Prevention

• Scan the water/beaches for dangers and patrol beach on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle.
• Locate and mark rip currents and hazardous areas
• Monitor designated beach and water areas for potential hazards or unsafe behaviors.
• Educate the public on water safety, flag warnings, and environmental conditions.
• Take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Rescue & Emergency Response

• Perform water rescues, retrieve distressed swimmers, and provide immediate assistance.
• Administer first aid, CPR, or other lifesaving measures during emergencies.
• Coordinate with emergency medical services and other rescue teams as needed.

Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect, maintain, and repair lifeguard equipment, including rescue boards, buoys, and radios.
• Ensure first aid kits and lifesaving tools are fully stocked and functional.
• Report any equipment issues to supervisors promptly.

Training & Preparedness

• Participate in ongoing training, drills, and fitness assessments to maintain certifications and readiness.
• Stay updated on ocean safety protocols, weather patterns, and rescue techniques.
• Collaborate with team members during practice scenarios and evaluations.

Beach Regulation Enforcement

• Enforce beach policies and address unsafe activities or behaviors.
• Communicate beach closures, safety alerts, and hazard warnings effectively.
• Assist with crowd control during high-traffic periods or special events.

Physical Requirements: Ability to swim long distances in ocean conditions, including against strong currents. Strength to lift and carry individuals or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Endurance to run on sand and perform strenuous activities for extended periods. Tolerance to outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, heat, wind, and water temperatures. As a condition of continued employment, Ocean Lifeguards must be able to pass annual re-testing of the physical skills assessments outlined in the Qualifications section above.

Environmental Conditions and Work Hazards: Continuous exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme heat, sunlight, wind, and fluctuating weather conditions. Frequent contact with saltwater and sand, which can cause skin irritation or equipment wear. Potential exposure to marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays, and other aquatic creatures. Risk of physical injuries during rescues, such as cuts, bruises, or muscle strains. Potential for heat exhaustion or dehydration due to prolonged sun exposure. Hazards related to high surf, rip currents, or rapidly changing water conditions. Risk of infection from open wounds or contact with contaminated water.

Supplemental Information: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities: County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA Statement: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO Statement: St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous lifeguarding experience, particularly in ocean or open water environments, preferred.
• Applicant must possess Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification at time of application.
• Applicant must possess valid American Heart or American Red Cross CPR certification at time of employment.
• Must be able to pass ocean rescue agility testing which consists of 1) a 200 yard buoy rescue and ¾ mile run in 14 minutes or less and 2) 500 meter swim in 10 minutes or less.
• Understanding of ocean currents, tides, and weather patterns, and knowledge of approved water rescue methodology. Must maintain high level of skill in life saving techniques and ocean swimming.
• Ability to handle frightened or injured persons in the water and to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of applicable county rules, regulations, and ordinances related to park and beach use and the ability to use and exercise tact, firmness, and good judgment in enforcement of such rules and regulations.
• Ability to perform under physical and mental stress and to meet the physically arduous challenge routinely presented in water rescue of drowning persons.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and variable shifts.
• Required to pass Level 2 FDLE Background Screening.

Pay Grade: T07 This is a union position. Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification, level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance. CJIS clearance is authorized by the Sheriff's Department and involves a thorough criminal history review. For additional information on level 2 fingerprinting please refer to the Florida Clearinghouse website.