Lifeguard

Role Summary

Responsible for the provision of safety and prevention of incidents on beaches; assessing the prevailing condition to minimize the risks to the public; carrying out timely rescue of any person in difficulty in the ocean; and providing first aid as required.

Role Responsibilities

1. Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Unit through administration of daily operations to include closely monitoring all persons bathing or surfing in the sea and maintaining good relations and maintenance of the lifeguard service image.
2. Assess the prevailing conditions and place zone flags / warning signs in appropriate positions on the beach to minimize the risk of the public getting into difficulties in the sea. Advise the public as to the correct zone for their particular activity to ensure the safety of the public.
3. Carry out the rescue of any persons seen to be in difficulty in the sea and notify other services if further assistance is required to ensure their wellbeing.
4. Act as first response for first aid, locating lost children and giving advice to the public in a professional manner, report all potential and actual health and safety matters including accidents using the correct procedures and train to a level of proficiency in life saving skills to ensure you are able to deal with any situation as they arise.

5. Maintain a level of personal fitness commensurate with duties. Able to pass annual Beach Lifeguard test as required:

    

                (a) 400 m swim in 7 min 30 sec

    

     

              (b) 50 m head up swim in 50 sec

    

                (c) 25m underwater swim

    

                (d) 400 m board paddle in 4 min

    

                (e) Run Swim Run (200 m 200 m 200 m) in 8 min

    

                (f) Run 200 m on soft sand in 40 sec

6. Monitor the condition of lifeguard equipment and report defects to the Lifeguard Supervisor to ensure all equipment is in full working order when required.
7. Work with the team to formulate and implement activities to ensure public awareness on environmental matters.
8. Maintain a level of proficiency in life saving skills to ensure update knowledge and techniques at all times and maintain a level of personal fitness commensurate with duties and annual Beach lifeguard tests as required.
9. Administer and maintain records and reports ensuring completeness and security of data.
10. Complete a minimum of 60 Essential Learning Hours annually.
11. Perform any other related duties as required by Supervisor or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department.

Minimum Qualification and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current nationally recognised Beach Lifeguard qualification (International Life Saving Federation Equivalency – Surf Lifeguard)
• Current Adult and Pediatric (Child and Infant) first Aid/CPR/AED certificate
• Short-range VHF radio certificate
• Class E Driver's License (Manual Transmission)

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge of Government organization, policies, procedures, environmental and fisheries legislation
• Sound oral and written communication skills
• Sound knowledge of VHF radios and communication equipment
• Excellent swimming ability
• Thorough knowledge of Lifeguard Service Standard and Local Operating Procedures
• Knowledge of beach shore environment
• Good knowledge of relevant computer software and office equipment
• Ability to work well under pressure