Seasonal Lifeguard

2026 Lifeguard Tryouts

2026 Lifeguard Tryouts Flyer

Applications are Required Before Tryouts

All candidates must submit an online application prior to attending tryouts.

Applications are available on the City of Long Beach website or by clicking the link below:

2026 Job Bulletin

*Only applicants who have completed the application will be permitted to participate in tryouts.

Tryout Information

The Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division will conduct open tryouts for individuals interested in becoming a Seasonal Lifeguard.

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. (check-in begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Lifeguard Headquarters
2100 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90803

Parking: Junipero Parking Lot

What to Bring

• Swimsuit

• Towel

• Photo identification (DMV-issued Driver’s License or ID, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or current school ID)

• Optional - Candidates are encouraged to bring warm clothing/ school parka to keep warm between events

Minimum Qualifications

• No prior lifeguard training or experience required

• Must be 17 years of age by July 1, 2026

  • Proof of age required at time of conditional employment offer

• Applicants under 18 must possess one of the following prior to training:

  • Valid high school work permit

  • High school diploma

  • G.E.D.

Tryout Schedule

• 8:00 a.m. – Briefing and sign-in (photo ID required)

• 9:00 a.m. – 1,000-yard ocean swim

• 10:00 a.m. – Run–Swim–Run

• 2:00 p.m. – Candidate list posted for pre-employment scored oral interviews

  • Announced at Lifeguard Headquarters

* Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Marine Safety Division
* Optional - Candidates are encouraged to bring warm clothing/ school parka to keep warm between events

Selection Process

Performance in the 1,000-yard ocean swim and run–swim–run will determine advancement to pre-employment scored oral interviews. All candidates enter the oral interviews at an equal level. Interview scores determine eligibility for the Training Program.

Formal Interviews

Dates: March 9–13, 2026
Location: Junior Lifeguard Station
5374 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803

Interview times will be confirmed by email. Advancing candidates must have an active email address and working phone number.

Candidates selected for the Training Program must successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including paperwork, live scan, and medical examination.

Training Program

The 11-day (110-hour) Training Program is tentatively scheduled for:

• May 2 (Orientation)

• May 9–10

• May 16–17

• May 23–25

• May 30–31

• June 6–7

Training hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Training includes lifeguard tactics and operations, rescue buoys, rescue boards, timed events, and emergency response. Upon successful completion, participants earn Advanced Emergency Medical Responder (AEMR) certification.

Ocean Lifeguard Duties

• Monitor assigned beach and water areas

• Perform rescues and resuscitation

• Warn the public of hazardous conditions

• Administer first aid and CPR

• Operate and maintain rescue equipment

• Assist lost children

• Answer visitor questions and enforce local ordinances

• Serve as crew or ride-along in lifeguard vehicles

• Assist in small boat salvage operations

• Complete activity records

• Perform other related duties as required

Additional Information

The 2023 Long Beach Lifeguard Tryouts were featured on ESPN’s Tryouts series and are available to stream on ESPN+ and Disney+, offering an inside look at the process.

For questions, contact:
longbeachlifeguardtraining@longbeach.gov