Becoming and Open Water Beach Lifeguard for Okaloosa County

 The road to becoming an open water beach lifeguard is most definately the one less traveled. Simply completing the basic open water lifesaving and medical response training academy requires a high level of dedication and physical and mental fitness. This is an industry of true professionals who take seriously the responsibilities of protecting life. A community has the highest expectations of it's public safety professionals. Only those who are able to meet these expectations without exception are selected.
Okaloosa County Human Resources will be accepting applications for Seasonal Beach Lifeguards (Temporary) beginning January 5, 2012. Human Resources is currently accepting applications for Senior Beach Lifeguard (Full-time).
Click the Human Resources link to access the online application:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/okaloosa/default.cfm

Seasonal Beach Lifeguard (First Year - No previous lifeguard experience)

Okaloosa Beach Safety conducts two training academies annually for first year (rookie) lifeguards. Candidates will be trained in open water rescue techniques, CPR/AED, First Responder Medical, emergency vehicle operation, beach management, among other important topics in the 9-day academy. Selection interviews will be conducted on the 4th academy day and final assessments are typically held on the 8th and 9th (final) days of the academy. Rookie lifeguards will be selected based on their interview with the senior staff and academy performance. 

    Spring Training Academy: February 25 through March 4, 2012

·         All applicants are selected to attend the 9-day Spring Training Academy. If you apply, you can attend the academy.

·         Hiring will be based on a competitive selection from those attending and completing the academy.

·         Rookies completing the Spring Training Academy will report to duty in March 2012.

  Summer Training Academy: March 17 through March 25, 2012

·         All applicants are selected to attend the 9-day Summer Training Academy.  If you apply, you can attend the academy.

·         Hiring will be based on a competitive selection from those attending and completing the academy.

·         This academy is will be conducted during the Okaloosa County Schools Spring Break to allow local high school seniors to attend.

·         Rookies completing the Summer Training Academy will report to duty in April / May 2012.

    Academy Details

·         Class begins at 0800 each day at the Okaloosa Island Fire Department on Santa Rosa Blvd in the second floor classroom. Do not be late! Remember, the entire academy is part of the interview process and late arrivals are duly noted by the training staff.

·         Mornings will consist of didactic learning in surf rescue and medical topics. Bring plenty of note taking and all issued class materials.

·         After a brief lunch, class will resume on the beach for physical skills, rescue techniques, and vehicle operations training. A good training day will end at 1630 hours.

·         Candidates should bring enough food and water to sustain themselves for a full training day, dry clothes, running shoes, towels, functional bathing suit (no string bikinis), wetsuit no more than 3.5mm thickness (recommended for Spring Academy), and black athletic shorts. Training shirts and all other essential gear will be provided by the program.

                                                                      *** Academy Schedule***  

Seasonal Beach Lifeguard (Returning - Previous employment with Okaloosa Beach Safety)

·         Returning lifeguards are encouraged to submit applications and schedule interviews and fitness assessments ASAP (preferably by the end of January).

·         Interviews and fitness assessments are scheduled for Tuesday, February 14 and Wednesday, February 15.  The interviews will go quickly – 20 minutes max – and will be done in the morning. The fitness assessments will begin at 1:00 pm weather permitting. All fitness assessments and selection interviews for returning staff will be completed before the Spring Academy begins. Final day to swim and interview will be on February 18, 2012.

·         Minimum spring fitness requirements have not changed - 500m open water swim in less than 10 minutes, 1 mile beach run in less than 10 minutes, and open course 500m run-swim-run in less than 10 minutes. Interviews will only be scheduled for returning staff who meet the fitness requirements. Do Not show up for the assessments out of shape!

·         All returning lifeguards will have to attend 16hours of returning guard school prior to being assigned to tower duty. There are two returning guard schools scheduled at this time – March 3rd and 4^th or March 24^th and 25^th. Remember, you will not get a schedule until you have attended one of the returning guard schools.

Senior Beach Lifeguard (Full Time Professional Staff)

• This is a supervisory position with specific medical and surf lifesaving requirements. Please review the Job Description before applying.
• Candidates meeting minimum qualifications must apply online and submit professional resume and supporting documents prior to selection for interview and fitness assessment.