Job Details

Beach Lifeguard I/II/III

The City of Carpinteria is seeking applications for a Beach Lifeguard I/II/III. Apply Immediately: Deadline to be considered for first review: March 27, 2026 Recruitment will remain open through April 30, 2026 Important Training Dates: Rookie Certification Training (must attend one full weekend to become USLA certified): April 2426 or May 13 Mandatory All Beach Staff Training: May 1517, 2026 Ideal candidates should be available to work morning, afternoon, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Beach Lifeguards, under supervision, ensure public safety along City beaches by monitoring surf and beach conditions, performing rescues, administering first aid and CPR, enforcing rules, maintaining equipment, and supporting public education. Positions progress across three levels with increasing responsibility in tower operations, training support, and leadership.

Essential Functions and Basic Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain vigilant scanning of assigned beach zones; assess hazards, surf conditions, and patron activity.
• Perform ocean rescues, utilize rescue equipment, and administer first aid and CPR.
• Enforce beach rules, City policies, and safety regulations.
• Maintain lifeguard towers, rescue equipment, vehicles, and communications systems.
• Participate in USLA-required physical conditioning and skills training.
• Prepare rescue reports, incident logs, and documentation.
• Engage with the public to promote ocean safety and awareness.
• Mentor new or junior guards (Levels II/III).
• Lead tower operations, staff rotations, and training sessions (Level III).
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:

Beach Lifeguard I

• Must meet minimum age requirements as established by USLA.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
• Strong swimming and physical conditioning ability.

Beach Lifeguard II

• Minimum 340 tower hours or 320 Junior Guard instruction hours
• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
• Demonstrated reliability, leadership, and strong ocean rescue skills.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting training.

Beach Lifeguard III

• Minimum 1,020 tower hours OR 1,600 Junior Guard instruction hours.
• Minimum two seasons as Lead Junior Guard Instructor.
• United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
• Skilled in training delivery, tower operations, and emergency leadership.

Other Requirements:

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, preferred.
• California Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.
• All required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:

Knowledge of

• Open-water lifeguarding principles, rescue techniques, and ocean hazards.
• Tower operations, communications, and inter-agency coordination.
• First aid, CPR, AED use, and emergency response protocols.
• Beach rules, ordinances, and public education strategies.

Skills/Ability to

• Recognize and respond quickly to ocean hazards and emergencies.
• Maintain high physical fitness and endurance standards.
• Lead operations and trainings (Levels II/III).
• Work calmly under pressure with sound judgment.
• Engage professionally with the public and team members.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents.

Selection Process and Additional Information

Applications must be submitted online. Click Here to Apply: City of Carpinteria Beach Lifeguard I/II/III Job Opportunity Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment. All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process. Please review the complete job description before applying. Click Here to View the Complete Beach Lifeguard I/II/III Job Description