Fire Department

SEASONAL LIFEGUARD

View 2025 Lifeguard Tryouts Flyer

On Sunday, March 16th, 2025, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Long Beach Fire Department will hold an open test for anyone interested in becoming a Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard. Tryouts will be held at Beach Operations, located at 2100 E Ocean Boulevard. Parking is available at the Junipero Parking Lot. Each candidate must bring a picture identification (i.e. DMV issued Driver's License/Identification Card, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or current school ID.).

The 2023 Long Beach Lifeguard tryout was highlighted by ESPN’s “Tryouts” series and is available to view on ESPN+ and Disney+. The episode gives an in-depth view of what the tryout entails. Fill out the interest card below to receive updates regarding the Long Beach Lifeguard tryout or email us questions at LifeguardRecruitment@longbeach.gov.

Recruitment Interest Card

Qualifications:
• No prior training or experience is required
• 17 years of age as of July 1st, 2025 – Proof of age required at the time of conditional employment offer (valid DMV issued Driver's License/Identification Card, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or current school ID).
• Any applicant under 18 years of age must possess a valid work permit from his or her high school, high school diploma, or G.E.D. prior to the start of the training program.
• Full-time summer commitment is required for all new hires from June 14th-September 1st

Tryout Schedule:

8:00 a.m. Briefing and Sign-up (DMV issued Driver's License/Identification Card, U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or current school ID required at Sign-Ups)
9:00 a.m. Ocean Swim, 1000-yards
9:45 a.m. Run-Swim-Run
12:00 p.m. Announce candidate list for pre-employment scored oral interview.

*Tryout Schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Marine Safety Division

Selection Process:  Formal Interviews will be taking place between March 17th – 21th, 2025. Emails will be sent out to confirm interview times. All candidates moving forward are required to have an active email and working phone number.

Placement in the 1000-yard ocean swim and run-swim-run will determine who moves forward to the pre-employment scored oral interviews. All candidates will enter the pre-employment scored oral interviews at an equal level. The pre-employment oral interview scores will determine who
qualifies for the Training Program. The candidates will enter the Training Program after successful completion of all pre-employment forms, live scan, and medical exam.

The 9-day, 90-hour Training Program is tentatively scheduled for the following dates: May 17-18, May 24-26, May 31-June 1, & June 7-8. Training days will begin at 8:00 a.m. and include training in ARC Emergency Medical Responder, lifeguard tactics, lifeguard operations, rescue buoys, rescue boards, and timed events. Training will include comprehensive written and practical testing.

Ocean Lifeguard Duties:

•  Watch a designated section of the beach and water from an assigned station
•  Answer calls for help and perform rescue and resuscitation work
•  Warn bathers of beach and water hazards
•  Administer first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
•  Use and maintain rescue equipment
•  Take charge of lost children
•  Answer questions from beach visitors
•  Advise the public regarding local beach and waterway-related ordinances
•  Serve as a crewmember or ride-along in lifeguard vehicles
•  Assist in rescue operations of small boats and their property
•  Complete and maintain activity records
•  Perform other related duties as required