The following positions are available:

• Lifeguard (Permanent Position)
• Lifeguard I (Seasonal)
• Lifeguard II (Seasonal)

Qualification for Santa Cruz State Beaches

Friday Saturday March 13, 2010 at 9:00 am

Location: Rio Del Mar State Beach

Directions: Highway 1, State Park Exit, Left on Seacliff Drive, Right on Spreckles, left on Beach Road.

Qualification: Swim-1000 yard swim under 20 minutes*/ 200 yard run by 400 yard swim by 200 yard run*
*Cut-Off times can vary by conditions and number of participants.

Bring: Photo Identification. Bring a parent/guardian if under 18 years old.
Qualifications usually occur once a year in March or April

Questions: Call 831-427-4868

Important Dates

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Lifeguard (Permanent Position)

State park lifeguards are open-water lifesaving professionals and trained peace officers with statewide authority. They help operate and manage state park units including coastal beaches, inland lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. To see if you meet the minimum requirements.

Public Safety

• Aquatic Rescues
• Medical Aid
• Operating and Maintaining Emergency Equipment
• Law Enforcement Services
• Specialty Assignments such as SCUBA Diving & Swiftwater Rescue

Visitor Assistance

• Advising visitors of rules and regulations
• Providing general park information

Public Education and Interpretation

• Community Outreach
• Interpretive Programs
• Junior Lifeguard Program

Park Resource Protection and Management
Lifeguard Candidates must meet all the following requirements:

• Two Years of College*
• Possess a Valid California Driver's License of the Appropriate Class
• Be Physically Sound
• Eighteen Years of Age
• 6 Months as a Lifeguard at Facilities Other Than Swimming Pools
• Must Pass a Comprehensive Background Investigation
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
• 20/20 Corrected Vision
• No Felony Convictions

* 60 Semester Units of study at an state accredited college or university, including a minimum of 21 semester units of course work satisfying General Education Curriculum standards. Specialization in park administration, natural sciences, social sciences, law enforcement, or related fields is desirable.

Please visit the California State Parks site for available positions

Download Application (PDF file)

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Lifeguard I (Seasonal)

Seasonal and Part Time

The Lifeguard I must be able to detect and rescue persons or vessels in distress in assigned areas of a state beach or reservoir; assist the public and advise visitors of rules and regulations; operate, inspect and perform maintenance on emergency rescue equipment and vehicles; perform first aid and resuscitation procedures. The Lifeguard I is used in many regions; however, most jobs are at Southern California beaches.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license; possession of (1)a valid Red Cross standard first aid certificate and, (2)either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate. The ability to read and write English as well as skill in swimming is required. Applicants will be required to pass a rigorous swim test before being hired. Applicants should posses the physical strength, endurance and agility necessary to perform lifesaving activities as well as visual acuity of at least 20/70 in each eye uncorrected and corrected 20/30; normal hearing and functional color vision.

Download Application (PDF file)

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Lifeguard II (Seasonal)

Seasonal and Part Time

The Lifeguard II acts as lead person for the activities of a group of seasonal lifeguards engaged in carrying out an aquatic program at a State beach or reservoir. The Lifeguard II arranges lifeguard schedules, assists in training and performs water rescues. This classification is employed primarily at Southern California beaches.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to three months of experience performing the duties of a lifeguard in other than swimming pools; possession of a valid Class C California driver's license in addition to (1) a valid Red Cross advanced first aid certificate and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR certification. An approved Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates. Also required is visual acuity of at least 20/70 in each eye uncorrected and corrected to 20/30; normal hearing and functional color vision.

Download Application (PDF file)

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