Trainee Lifeguard

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Job Type: Part-Time
Lifeguard
Bargaining Unit: 90 - Seasonal PT


Come join the City of Newport Beach Fire Department - Lifeguard Operations Division as a part-time Lifeguard Trainee
Join our amazing team and have a rewarding summer To become a seasonal ocean lifeguard for the City of Newport Beach, candidates must first apply for the Lifeguard Trainee position. Lifeguard Trainees attend classes at the Basic Lifeguard Academy (BLA) in order to learn skills and techniques used in ocean rescue, emergency decision making, first responder medical treatment and public assistance.
Lifeguard Trainee PT: $16.50 per hour
Lifeguard Cadet PT: $18.50 per hour
Lifeguard I PT: $25.00 - $30.41 per hour
Lifeguard Trainees who successfully complete the Basic Lifeguard Academy (BLA) may be hired as a Lifeguard I or Lifeguard Cadet based on their performance and operational needs.


Knowledge and skills gained through classroom and field training may include:
Lifesaving techniques and procedures for ocean surveillance, rescue recognition, and surf entry;
Identification and effects of hazardous ocean conditions such as rip currents, surf, irregular ocean bottom conditions, lateral currents, and tides;
Emergency Medical Responder and CPR certifications; Customer service skills related to public safety and the beach environment.
Information Night:
The Newport Beach Lifeguards are hosting an Information Nighton Wednesday, January 7, 2026 for those interested in seeing Lifeguard Headquarters, meeting the team, and learning more about becoming a Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard. Application Evaluation: Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m .
Candidates are required to attach the Release of Liability and Waiver Form (click here to access form) to their online application.

Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a competitive tryout tentatively scheduled for the morning of Saturday, January 24, 2026. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters located at the base of the Newport Pier.
The top candidates with a combined score from the Ocean Swim and Ocean Run-Swim-Run will be invited to the virtual interview. Virtual Interview: Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (40% of the overall score).
A minimum score of 70% on the Virtual Interview is required to be placed on the eligibility list. Candidates on the eligibility list may be invited to attend the BLA based on their overall score from the testing process.


The City of Newport Beach BLA is a 109-hour course certified by the United States Lifesaving Association and Orange County Emergency Medical Services. The BLA is designed to prepare and evaluate the suitability of Lifeguard Trainees to become Newport Beach Lifeguards. Your absence from any training may disqualify you from further consideration. BASIC LIFEGUARD ACADEMY SCHEDULE 2026
Saturday, March 217 a.m. - Sunday, March 228 a.m. - Saturday, March 288 a.m. - Sunday, March 298 a.m. - Saturday, April 118 a.m. - Sunday, April 128 a.m. - Saturday, April 188 a.m. - Sunday, April 198 a.m. - Saturday, April 258 a.m. - Sunday, April 26 (Final)8 a.m. - Saturday, May 2Noon - 6 p.m.Sunday, May 3Noon - 6 p.m.Saturday, May 9Noon - 6 p.m.Sunday, May 10*Noon - 6 p.m.Saturday, May 16*Noon - 6 p.m.Sunday, May 17*Noon - 6 p.m.*For questions regarding BLA dates/a ttendance, please call Lifeguard Headquarters at (949)644-3047.
A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. Experience: Strong physical fitness, strength and stamina, especially endurance swimming.
Training: No training is required.
License or Certificate: Due to the performance of some field duties which require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record may be required.
Please Note: Candidates deemed most qualified, as reflected in their application materials, will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a thorough background review, including being fingerprinted by the Newport Beach Police Department. The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. This position is Part-time/Seasonal and is provided the following minimum benefits:
Part-time employees are enrolled in the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) beginning on their first day of employment. Your benefits may be reduced if you work for an employer who does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary.
PLEASE READ: The information provided on the Supplemental Questions will be used in conjunction with the job application to determine whether the qualification requirements are met. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. I have read the above statement and acknowledge that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected.
Attendance is mandatory for the Basic Lifeguard Academy and any absence from training may disqualify you from further consideration. If you are selected for the Basic Lifeguard Academy, you will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting and a physical. Record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations (excluding juvenile convictions, arrests, detentions or court dispositions). Do you acknowledge that in order for your application to be complete you must attach a completed Release of Liability & Waiver Form?