EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Job Title:
Grade:
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Ocean Water Lifeguard
3
$9.75/hour and Up, Based on Qualifications
Seasonal Temporary
Open Until Filled. Multiple vacancies
Ocean Water Lifeguard
Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To perform lifeguard and open water rescue duties on an assigned section of municipal beaches
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class performs beach and open water rescue. Incumbents provide continuous
surveillance from a station or tower or assist in patrolling an area of beach and adjacent ocean utilizing a
four-wheel drive vehicle. Emphasis of the work is on observing actual or potential violations of beach
ordinances and rules, warning the public of ocean hazards (jellyfish, sharks, rip currents, etc) and respond to
patrons who are potentially or already in need of rescue or assistance. Positions in this class exercise on a
daily basis to ensure optimum physical strength, stamina, and endurance to execute rescues in all types of
ocean water conditions. The employee reports to a senior lifeguard or supervisor and is evaluated on the
basis of achieving daily and weekly performance objectives, compliance with safety requirements,
following defined procedures, and positive public feedback on services by beach and ocean patrons.
Illustrative Examples of Work
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Conducts continuous surveillance of assigned beach and ocean for signs of swimmers in distress and
potential hazards such as rip currents, large surf, and backwash
Executes single and multiple-victim rescues in all ocean water conditions using rescue cans or rescue
boards; rescues victims and removes from harm using department approved techniques
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Administers first aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) to victims of near-drowning, heart attack, seizure,
heat exhaustion, broken bones, lacerations, jellyfish or stingray stings, or other medical emergencies;
transfers care of seriously injured victims to medical provider or appropriate personnel for provision of
equal or higher-level care
Opens lifeguard tower at beginning of shift, checking equipment such as rescue cans and rescue boards,
telephone, radios, first aid equipment, resuscitator equipment, and defibrillator; reports malfunctions;
observes and reports beach and ocean conditions by patrolling assigned area of responsibility
Notifies supervisor upon suspicion or report of a suspected sewage or hazardous materials spill
Enforces beach ordinances and rules prohibiting activities such as use of illegal flotation devices, boats
too close to shore, and surfboards in swimming areas; reports other incidents such as dogs on the beach,
drinking of alcoholic beverages, or fights to area supervisor
Responds to questions from patrons regarding matters such as tide tables, weather conditions and
forecasts, ocean conditions, or any other public information contact inquiry
Maintains log book by entering information regarding rescues, first aid rendered, and other unusual
events; writes a narrative account of major incidents
Engages in the physical fitness program established by the department in order to maintain sufficient
capability to perform ocean lifesaving duties
May perform special assignment duties including youth programs, training instructor, and other duties
requiring a specialized skill set
Performs related duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Knowledge of the principles and practices of first aid, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), dealing
with hazardous materials, and swimming and lifesaving techniques
Knowledge of beach ordinances and rules, ocean conditions such as tides, currents, ocean floor
conditions, and wave actions and their effects in order to protect life
Knowledge of the beach environment and property in an assigned area of ocean beach
Working knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations, and techniques used in a comprehensive
aquatics program
Ability to operate and maintain various hand tools and rescue equipment and floatation devices
Ability to enforce safety and health regulations relating to beach and ocean rescue
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and
the general public
Ability to communicate effectively with beach patrons; ability to enforce beach and ocean rules with
firmness and resolve
Ability to give and understand oral instructions
Physical Requirements
This is medium work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force
frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job,
the employee is frequently required to run, swim, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally
required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and their hands and arms to
reach. The employee is frequently required to climb up or down from an observation tower. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust
focus. Employees are required to perform exercises at the beginning and during the shift schedule to remain
fit in the event of a quick response to an emergency situation
Working Conditions
Work in this class is performed primarily in an outdoor setting with frequent exposure to the rays of the sun,
wind, and sand conditions. Employee is also exposed to potential for biting insects, fish or other ocean life,
sharp shells, broken glass or cans on the beach, and other lifeguarding hazards. Employees are exposed to
the potential of coming into contact with blood borne pathogens in the course of rescue and lifesaving work
and are required to wear specialized personal equipment. Employees are also exposed to the potential for
physical harm or verbal abuse by intoxicated or belligerent beach patrons
Education
Prefer High School graduate or GED equivalency
Experience
One (1) to two (2) years’ of beach lifeguard experience
Special Requirements:
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Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required to operate beach vehicles and ocean rescue
equipment
At least 16 years of age
Certified in aquatic rescue, CPR and open water lifesaving by the United States Lifesaving
Association
Positions in this class must successfully complete an annual swim recertification by swimming a
minimum of 500 meters in the ocean within thirteen minutes
Employee required to successfully complete the NIMS course work applicable to the position
within one year
FLSA Status: Nonexempt (eligible for overtime or equivalent compensatory time at 1½ times the
employee’s regular weekly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the Town’s official work week
and not the employee’s work schedule)
Disclaimer
This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work
performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a
comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform
the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from
position to position and a more thorough description of these elements can be found in the employee’s
Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ). The Town of Carolina Beach reserves the right to assign or
otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.
January 2016