Water Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.03 - $29.52 Hourly
Location : Coronado Beach, 920 Ocean Boulevard, Coronado, CA
Job Type: Non-Benefited/Part-Time
Job Number: 25-00050
Department: Fire Department
Division: Beach Lifeguards
Opening Date: 11/18/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The Organization
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Under general supervision, to observe swimmers in designated areas of the ocean and beach; to protect life, prevent accidents and enforce beach regulations; to perform beach and ocean rescues and provide emergency medical treatment; to assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
The Position
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

1. Observe swimmers from lifeguard towers or patrol vehicles; respond to various emergencies including boat, rock and water rescues; administer first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
2. Patrol public beaches and warn swimmers of dangerous surf or other hazardous beach conditions; enforce laws, codes and ordinances governing beach safety; post warning signs indicating hazardous conditions.
3. Operate and maintain lifeguarding and rescue equipment, vehicles and portable towers; check oxygen tanks, first aid kits and rescue tubes; perform preventive maintenance and repairs.
4. Respond to questions and inquiries from the public regarding beach regulations; resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
5. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Requirements
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: One year of beach lifeguarding experience is desirable.
Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in
beach lifeguarding, water rescue or a related field.
Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a safe driving record.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer certificate.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response certificate with CPR and first aid endorsement.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Completion from a lifeguard academy comparable to the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy.
• Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is highly desirable.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid Scuba Diver or Open Water Diving certificate is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:
Basic operations, services and activities of a beach lifeguard program.
Principles and practices of beach lifeguarding and water safety.
Methods and techniques of first aid and CPR.
Appropriate safety precautions and procedures within the area of assignment.
Operational characteristics of various beach lifeguarding and emergency rescue equipment and vehicles.
Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Swim with endurance and proficiency at a level necessary to perform assigned duties.
Perform beach lifeguarding duties.
Respond to emergency situations and administer first aid and CPR as necessary.
Perform emergency water rescues.
Operate and maintain lifeguard and emergency rescue equipment in an efficient manner.
Enforce applicable beach rules and regulations.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Examination Process (REVISED 4/1/26):
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training and experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in an examination process consisting of the following: 500-meter swim in under ten (10) minutes (pass/fail)and an oral interview (must score 70% or higher to pass). Candidates must pass each section to move on to the next portion of the testing. Further communication regarding assessment scheduling will be provided at a later date.
All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a background check, and pre-employment physical examination which includes a drug screening. The City of Coronado participates in E-verify; all new employees are required to submit verification of their legal right to work in the United States.
The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with disabilities who will require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the application, interview, and/or testing process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of the request.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in the City's Child Abuse and Neglect Training and Reporting policy as a condition of employment. A copy of the policy is provided upon request and at the time of pre-employment.
Supplemental Information
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Productivity: Incumbents must perform work in an efficient, effective and timely manner with minimal direction.
Mobility: Incumbents are required to perform emergency life saving functions and water rescues that include running and swimming; administer first aid or CPR.
Vision: Vision sufficient to distinguish objects at a distance of no less than 100 yards and distinguish color.
Environment: Incumbents are required to work at a public beach and are exposed to inclement weather conditions often with insufficient protection from the sun; work in ocean water.
Other Factors: Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Incumbents may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.
This is a non-benefited position.
SICK LEAVE
Part-time, Temporary, and Seasonal (PTS) Employees who work for 30 or more days within a year, will accrue paid sick leave in compliance with the Healthy Workplace, Healthy Families Act of 2014. Leave will accrue at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked beginning on the first day of employment. Sick leave may be used after the 90th day of employment and up to 40 hours in one year.
01
The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the "Work History/Experience" section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your response to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications.

• I have read and acknowledge the instructions stated above.

02
Do you possess a valid American Red Cross C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association Healthcare Provider C.P.R. certificate? If yes, a copy of the certificate must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

03
Please select the option that best describes your Beach Lifeguard training. Please note that copies any certificates must be attached to your application for review.

• I currently possess a San Diego Beach Lifeguard Academy Certificate of Completion.
• I currently possess a Certificate of Completion from a comparable Beach Lifeguard Academy.
• I am currently enrolled in one of the 2025 San Diego Beach Lifeguard Academies.
• I have not yet completed a Beach Lifeguard Academy, but I understand this is a requirement and do plan to enroll for 2025.
• Not applicable

04
If you do not currently possess a valid academy certificate, are you currently enrolled/attending? If yes, please list the name of the academy along with your expected completion date.
05
Do you possess a valid American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response certificate or a valid San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification? If yes, a copy of the certificate must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

06
Do you possess a valid Scuba Diver or Open Water Diving certificate? If yes, a copy of the certificate must be attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

07
Which of the following best describes your previous open ocean lifeguard experience:

• Less than one (1) year of open ocean lifeguard experience
• One (1) to three (3) years of open ocean lifeguard experience
• Three (3) or more years of open ocean lifeguard experience

08
Do you have any experience working with children? If yes, please describe in detail.
09
Are you willing and able to work part-time (10-30 hours) per week?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you willing and able to work weekdays, afternoon, and evening shifts?

• Yes
• No

11
Are you willing and able to work Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays?

• Yes
• No

Required Question