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Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy
Do you have what it takes to be a Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguard?
How to Become a
Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguard
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All prospective Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy candidates will have to attend a mandatory Pre-Qualification Exam Day to be eligible for selection into the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy.
The Pre-Qualification Exam consists of:
- Pass a 550 freestyle swim in under 10 minutes.
- Water Confidence Demonstrations
- Pass a half-mile run in under 4 minutes.
- Successfully drag a Jacksonville Beach Lifeguard Tower 50 yards.
All prospective Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy candidates must meet the following prerequisites BEFORE starting Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Training:
- Complete and pass all pre-hire tests, evaluations, interviews, and requirements with the City of Jacksonville Beach Human Resources.
- Possess a valid Florida Identification Card.
- 16 years of age by the start of Lifeguard Training Academy.
- Attend and pass all Pre-Qualification Exams.
- Additional requirements may apply.
As you look through the process on becoming a City of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguard below, remember, each step is required to meet the requirements of joining the Ocean Rescue team! For any additional questions, click the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page!
It is recommended that you train at least four to six months before taking the pre-qualification physical exams. The best way to prepare for the 550 yards freestyle swim is to swim at least three to five times a week. The best way to prepare for the half-mile run is to run two to three times a week on the beach.
The pre-qualification exams are competitive, so try to be in the best swimming and running shape possible.
Although the pre-qualification swim exam is in a pool, it is still expected to be a good ocean swimmer at the start of the Lifeguard Academy. Ocean swimming is very different than pool swimming, so practicing in the ocean, as well, is a must. When you train in the ocean, remember to ask a lifeguard about the ocean conditions and possible hazards.
Pre-Qualification Exam Day consists of multiple performance tests including, but not limited to:
- Swim 550-yards freestyle in under 10 minutes.
- Demonstrate basic swimming skills.
- Tread water for five minutes without interruptions.
- Removal of a weight from the bottom of the pool.
- Run a half-mile on the beach in under 4 minutes.
- Drag a Jacksonville Beach Lifeguard Tower 50-yards in the sand.
Candidates will also be briefed on an overview of what to expect as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy Trainee.
Applying to become an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard with the City of Jacksonville Beach is completed through GovernmentJobs.com (click here Version OptionsOcean Rescue Lifeguard AcademyDo you have what it takes to be an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard?Headline).
Once you have applied for the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Position, you will be sent an email from Jacksonville Beach Human Resources on your next step.
Don't see any Lifeguard openings? For the latest information regarding future job opportunities as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, subscribe to the position's interest card by clicking here.
Candidates who successfully pass the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Application Supplemental Questionnaire will be considered for the position and eligible to sign up for an interview. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their interview.
Eligibility for the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy will be based on the applicant’s pre-qualification performance, interview results, and previous training and experience. Applicants must have passed their pre-qualification tests and their interview in order to be considered for hiring into the Lifeguard Academy.
The City of Jacksonville Beach Human Resources will notify applicants selected for hire via email to begin the onboarding process.
Once contacted by Jacksonville Beach Human Resources for onboarding, applicants must complete all required tests and paperwork. This includes passing the necessary drug screening, medical and physical evaluations, background checks, and other pre-hire requirements to qualify for the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Academy.
Candidates will receive an invitation to join the Lifeguard Academy from the Ocean Rescue Division's Lifeguard Academy Instructor. This email invitation will denote their start date, time, and location. Lifeguard Trainees will be paid during their time in the Lifeguard Training Academy.
The Lifeguard Training Academy is a rigorous course held for multiple consecutive weeks. At the Academy, Lifeguard Trainees are taught the principles of lifeguarding with an emphasis on ocean dynamics, rescues, first aid, boat operations, and more.
After completing the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Training Academy, Lifeguard Trainees will perform Field Training. Once a Lifeguard Trainee completes all required Field Training, they will become a certified Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, commonly called a Recurrent Lifeguard, and have the option to work various types of schedules. New Recurrent Lifeguards must work a minimum of 100 hours by October of their first year.
All Recurrent Lifeguards will be required to work throughout the Summer, including at least two Holidays.
When it is not Summertime, Recurrent Lifeguards can make themselves available to work on an as-needed basis. Weather, ocean conditions, and special events determine the number of Lifeguards hired each day.