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Surf Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Beach Lifeguard

Norfolk, VA

$19.60 - $32.83/hr

Operation and use of beach specific rescue equipment to include surf rescue boards, elevated ... American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification American Red Cross Lifeguard Management ...

Beach Lifeguard

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.6K/wk

Operation and use of beach specific rescue equipment to include surf rescue boards, elevated ... American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification * American Red Cross Lifeguard Management ...

Surf Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$23

$44

How much do surf instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for surf instructor in Virginia is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Surf Instructor job?

A Surf Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to surf, focusing on water safety, paddling techniques, wave selection, and proper stance. They ensure students understand ocean conditions, surf etiquette, and essential skills for a fun and safe experience. Instructors typically work at surf schools, resorts, or camps and may provide lessons to beginners or advanced surfers. Strong communication, swimming ability, and CPR/first aid knowledge are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Surf Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surf Instructor, you need expert swimming and surfing abilities, strong knowledge of ocean conditions, and usually a lifesaving or surf instructor certification. Familiarity with safety equipment, surfboards, rescue boards, and sometimes student management platforms is important. Outstanding communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and encourage students of all levels. These attributes ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful learning experience for individuals and groups in often dynamic environments.

What does a typical day look like for a Surf Instructor?

A typical day for a Surf Instructor involves preparing equipment, evaluating ocean and weather conditions, and conducting group or private surf lessons for beginners to advanced students. Instructors spend significant time in the water demonstrating techniques, observing students, and providing personalized feedback while closely monitoring safety. Outside of lessons, they may handle equipment maintenance, liaise with surf school staff, and communicate upcoming schedules to students. This role often involves flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends, and consistent teamwork with other instructors to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surf Instructor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Surf Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Surf Instructor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,723 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Beach Lifeguard

$19.60 - $32.83/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. The City of Norfolk's Department of Recreation is seeking experienced Beach Lifeguards to ensure a safe swimming environment for city beach patrons at assigned locations.

Other duties include emergency response including administering first aid, CPR, defibrillation, oxygen and appropriate patient care. Beach Lifeguards are also responsible to stay current with mandatory trainings and promote water safety by enforcing beach safety rules to ensure safe use of the City of Norfolk beaches. Norfolk's Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space is proud to announce it has been awarded national accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies.

This ensures we will continue to provide quality recreational services that enrich the lives of Norfolk's residents. Department Hiring Rates: Captain - $26.00/hour Lieutenant - $25.00/hour Lifeguard - $22.00/hour This is a part-time position in which weekends are required Essential Functions Essential functions include but are not limited to: Reads and prepares written reports, correspondence, memos, technical manuals, periodicals and related information. Performs general mathematical calculations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

Develops implements and evaluates aquatic programs and budgets. Completes all required paperwork, including daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports as well as incident and accident reports. Attends all required staff meetings and in-service training sessions.

Supervises and monitors performance of beach lifeguards including input on hiring/disciplinary actions and work objectives/effectiveness, and realigning work as needed. Performs work which requires considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment. Required to communicate with agencies outside of the division to include law enforcement and fire rescue.

Participates in and oversees aquatic staff mandatory physical trainings and maintains all required skills to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Program and Norfolk Beach Lifeguard Academy. Maintains all required job-related certifications. Ensures the safety of swimmers and park beach patrons by using American Red Cross Lifeguarding and United States Lifesaving Association standards.

Promotes water safety and enforces beach safety rules to ensure safe use of the City of Norfolk Beaches. Utilizes preventative lifeguarding skills and performs water rescues according to training standards. Administers first aid, CPR, defibrillation and oxygen according to division standards of care.

Assists in beach operations, cleaning duties, maintenance, and trash pickup. Operation and use of beach specific rescue equipment to include surf rescue boards, elevated lifeguard stands, communication equipment, spinal injury equipment, sit-on kayaks and motorized all-terrain vehicles. Education/Experience Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines.

Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency. Required: Current American Red Cross Lifeguard or YMCA Lifeguard Training Certificate Current CPR Certificate (CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer) Current First Aid Certificate Successful completion of all Norfolk Beach Lifeguard Physical Qualifications to include swimming and running competencies. Successful completion of the Norfolk Beach Lifeguard Academy conducted by City of Norfolk Aquatics Division.

Additional Preferred Experience for Beach Lifeguard Lieutenant: Minimum of one year Beach Lifeguard experience. American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification American Red Cross Lifeguard Management Certification. Emergency Medical Technician or Medical First Responder.

Additional Preferred Experience for Beach Lifeguard Captain: American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification American Red Cross Lifeguard Management Certification. Emergency Medical Technician or Medical First Responder. Minimum of one season beach lifeguard management experience.

Additional Information & Requirements Work Location: Norfolk Public Beaches This is a part-time position staffing beaches during the following hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m

6:30 p.m. Sundays 9:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m

Seasonal Holidays 9:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. This position requires weekend work