Class Specification: OCEAN LIFEGUARD CANDIDATE
ITEM NUMBER: 2922
APPROVAL DATE: 06/18/2002
REVIEW DATE: May 31, 2006
DEFINITION:
Participates in an intensive training program in advanced ocean lifeguarding and emergency medical treatment.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class are found within the Fire Department, Lifeguard Division. Candidates participate, under the supervision of the training officer, in an advanced ocean lifeguard training program involving both field and classroom instruction prior to appointment as an Ocean Lifeguard. They must have the mental ability to assimilate classroom instructions and the physical skill, stamina, and coordination to become proficient in all ocean lifeguard rescue techniques.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Under close supervision, participates in an ocean lifeguarding training course.
Through classroom and field training, learns proper lifesaving techniques and procedures for ocean surveillance, victim recognition, surf entry, surf rescue, and beach ordinance enforcement.
Receives instruction and participates in field training to learn proper procedures and acquire proficiency in the rescue or evacuation of persons endangered by hazardous ocean or beach conditions and in the provision of emergency medical care.
Receives instruction in the identification of, and human behavior related to, ocean conditions such as rip currents, irregular ocean bottom conditions, lateral currents, and wave actions and their effects.
Receives instruction in enforcement of beach ordinances.
Receives instruction and learns the proper care and safe operation of lifeguard four-wheel-drive beach vehicles.
Receives instruction and prepares for First Aid Standards for Public Safety Personnel certification.
Engages in physical fitness training drills established by the Department.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS:
4 - Arduous.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Ability:
Candidates assigned to this class must have the ability to swim 1000 meters.
Age:
At least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the Lifeguard Training Academy.
Vision:
At least 20/30 in each eye without correction.
Hearing:
There may be no greater than a 25 dB loss in the better ear as averaged over the test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz. There may not be a peak loss at any of the test frequencies greater than:
30 dB at 500 Hz
30 dB at 1000 Hz
40 dB at 2000 Hz
40 dB at 3000 Hz
There may be no greater than a 35 dB loss in the worse ear as averaged over the test frequencies, and no peak loss greater than 45 dB at any of the test frequencies. In the case of a questionable, unusual, or borderline hearing loss, the applicant's record will be reviewed by the Occupational Health Service consultant in otolaryngology who will make a recommendation as to the applicant's employability and forward it to the Medical Director for final disposition.
