LAKE LIFEGUARD CANDIDATE, Temporary

County of Los Angeles; California (MO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation seeks Lake Lifeguard Candidate (Temporary) to join an intensive training academy in open water lifeguarding and emergency medical response. You will oversee water safety and patrol three regional lakes (Castaic Lake, Bonelli Lake, Santa Fe Dam).

No experience required. Candidates must swim 1,000 meters in 18 minutes or less. Upon completion of the academy, the hourly rate rises to $29.83–$31.49, with benefits typical of county service.

Qualifications

• No experience or prior training is required.
• Candidates must have the ability to swim 1000 meters in 18 minutes or less.

Responsibilities

• Participates in an intensive training academy in advanced open water lifeguarding and emergency medical response.
• Oversees water safety and patrol beaches at three regional lakes (Castaic Lake, Bonelli Lake, Santa Fe Dam).
• Receives instruction and prepares for lifesaving, first aid and CPR certifications.

Skills

Swim 1000m

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

LAKE LIFEGUARD, CANDIDATE (TEMPORARY)

Salary: $18.47 Hourly

Lake Lifeguard salary range (upon completion of Academy): $29.83 - $31.49 per hour

Filing opening: The application filing period will begin on September 24, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous. We will keep accepting applications until the needs of the service are met and is subject to closure without prior notice.

Exam number: D2947F

Type of Recruitment: We welcome applications from everyone.

About the job: Participates in an intensive training academy in advanced open water lifeguarding and emergency medical response. Oversees water safety and patrol beaches at the Department of Parks & Recreation's three regional lakes. (Castaic Lake, in Castaic, Frank G. Bonelli Lake, in San Dimas, and Santa Fe Dam Lake, in Irwindale)

Why work for us?
With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California, over 116,000 employees in more than 38 Departments, we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more.

We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2,300 different job descriptions, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the country. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

Under close supervision, participates in a training academy.

Through classroom and field training, learns proper lifesaving techniques and procedures for lake surveillance, victim recognition, lake entry, lake rescue, vessel assistance, and park and lake 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 lake conditions and in the provision of emergency medical care.

Receives instruction in the identification of, and human behavior related to open water and unsafe lake conditions.

Receives instruction in enforcement of county ordinances.

Receives instruction and prepares for authorized lifesaving, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certifications.

Requirements to Qualify

• No experience or prior training is required.
• Candidates must have the ability to swim 1000 meters in 18 minutes or less.

Physical Class

4 - Arduous - Involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting, or working above ground on irregular surfaces. It includes those positions that occasionally demand extraordinary physical activity such as those in Safety positions.

License

A valid California Class C Driver’s License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

NOTE: California Class C Driver's License is not required for the current Lake Lifeguard Candidate exam. However, a valid California Class C Driver's License will be required upon completion of training academy for the Lake Lifeguard position.

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of swim test.
• Vision: At least 20/30 in each eye without correction.

Hearing Requirement

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.

Examining Content

This examination will consist of a performance test weighted 100%. A swim test of 1,000 meters which must be completed in 18 minutes or less. All candidates finishing within the time limit will receive a score of 100%;

Candidates who do not complete the swim test within the 18-minute time limit will receive a failing score.

Only candidates who pass the swim test will be placed on the eligible register.

Documentation at Check In

• Photo ID: A valid State ID or State Driver's license, School, Work or Military ID, or Passport are acceptable forms of identification.
• Proof of Age: If your Photo ID does not show your date of birth, an Original Birth Certificate will be required.

Without a valid photo ID, candidates will not be allowed to participate in the examination.

Eligibility Information

The names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible register for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation.

Vacancy Information

The eligible register for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Department of Parks and Recreation. The positions are temporary only.

Drug Test

Applicants for this position will be required to take and pass a urine drug screening as part of the pre-placement medical examination.

Potential Work Sites

• Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, San Dimas, CA
• Castaic Lake, Castaic, CA
• Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale, CA

Shift

Various; includes weekends, nights, and holidays.

Contact Information

• Department Contact Name: Francis Sanchez
• Department Contact Number: 626-612-1494
• Department Contact Email: [e-mail]
• Teletype Phone: [phone]