Class Specification: OCEAN LIFEGUARD
ITEM NUMBER: 2923
APPROVAL DATE: 06/09/2006
DEFINITION:
Performs lifeguard and ocean rescue duties on an assigned section of ocean beach.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class work under the administrative and technical supervision of an area officer and under the technical direction of an Ocean Lifeguard Specialist. Incumbents provide continuous surveillance from a station or tower or assist in patrolling an area of beach and adjacent ocean utilizing a four-wheel drive vehicle, observing for such things as violations of beach ordinances and rules, ocean hazards, and patrons who are potentially or already in need of rescue or assistance. Positions in this class exercise knowledge of first aid, First Responder Awareness (FRA), hazardous materials, swimming and lifesaving techniques, beach ordinances and rules, and ocean conditions such as tides, currents, ocean floor conditions, and wave actions and their effects in order to protect life and property in an assigned area of ocean beach. Incumbents must have the physical strength, stamina, and swimming skills to execute rescues in rough ocean water conditions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Executes single and multiple rescues in all ocean water conditions using rescue cans or rescue boards; using department approved techniques, secures and swims victims back through the surf or releases them to a rescue boat.
Administers first aid to victims of near-drowning, heart attack, seizure, heat exhaustion, broken bones, lacerations, or other medical emergencies; releases seriously injured victims to Ocean Lifeguard Specialist or paramedic personnel.
Opens lifeguard tower at beginning of shift, checking equipment such as rescue cans and rescue boards, telephone, radio, first aid box, resuscitator equipment, oxygen, Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM), and defibrillator; reports malfunctions; observes and reports beach and water conditions by patrolling in a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Conducts continuous surveillance of assigned beach and ocean for signs of swimmers in distress and potential hazards such as rip currents, high waves, and backwash.
Notifies the area officer upon suspicion of, or receipt of a report of a suspected sewage or hazardous materials spill.
Enforces beach ordinances and rules prohibiting activities such as use of illegal flotation devices, boats too close to shore, surfboards in swimming areas; reports other incidents such as dogs on the beach, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or fights to area headquarters.
Responds to questions from patrons regarding matters such as tide tables, weather conditions and forecasts, and ocean conditions.
Maintains log book by entering information regarding rescues, first aid rendered, and other unusual events; writes a narrative account of major incidents.
Engages in the physical fitness program established by the department in order to maintain sufficient capability to perform ocean lifesaving duties.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school or its equivalent.
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS:
4 - Arduous.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Ability:
Positions assigned to this class must have the ability to swim 500 meters in a pool within ten minutes and 500 meters in the ocean within thirteen minutes.
Certification:
County Beach Lifeguard Training Certificate.
Age:
At least 18 years of age.
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.
