Who are we looking for?
What opportunities are available to a new hire?
What should I do to prepare for the try out swim?
What does the swim test consist of?
What is the cut- off time for the try out swim?
What equipment is acceptable to wear for the swim test?
What happens after the swim test?
Who are we looking for?
The LA County Lifeguards have a long standing tradition of being one of the top ocean lifeguarding agencies in the world. We are looking for quality individuals with a strong aquatic background (swimming, surfing, etc.) to continue this tradition. Candidates will posses the following qualities, which our LA County Fire Department Core values:
Integrity
Teamwork
Community
Commitment
Courage
Caring
Peak summer season is from the last week in June to through the first week in September. After completing the Lifeguard Training Academy, candidates become Recurrent Lifeguards, and have the option to work a summer schedule or to be available to work on a day by day basis. Recurrent lifeguards must work a minimum of 20 shifts per year. Summer schedules are full time, 5 days a week, 40 hours, with possible overtime. During the rest of the year, recurrent lifeguards can make themselves available to work on an as- needed basis. Weather, ocean conditions, and special events determine the amount of lifeguards hired each day. The LA County Lifeguard hiring list is compiled by seniority. After working as a recurrent lifeguard and gaining experience, individuals can test to become an Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, which is a full time year round position.
To prepare for the swim, working out with a masters swim team or a school or club team, or at least swimming on your own a few times a week is advised. The test is very competitive, so try to be in the best swimming shape possible. Practicing in the ocean is also a plus. Talk to lifeguards before you got out to find out about ocean conditions and possible hazards.
What does the swim test consist of?
Our swim test consists of a 1000 meter ocean swim. All applicants line up at the starting line and are started all together. They enter the water, swim out 100 meters, make a quarter turn around a floating marker and continue swimming parallel to shore for 800 meters, then around another marker and 100 meters in to a finish line in the sand. About 300 applicants try out each year, and the first 100 or so are taken to the next step, which is the interview.
What is the cut- off time for the try out swim?
Times vary year by year depending on ocean conditions. In years that there is a large swell or very cold water, times will generally be slower than years with no surf and warm water. For this reason, top finishers are determined by place rather than by time.
The first 100-120 finishers are taken to interviews.
Your swim suit, goggles (optional), and a swim cap provided by LA County are the only things that can be worn for the swim test. Wetsuits, fins, or any other type of insulation, flotation, or propulsion equipment will not be allowed for the test.
What happens after the swim test?
If you are among the top finishers selected, you will be given an interview time for the same day as the swim. The interview is business attire.
After successfully completing the interview, candidates must pass a thorough background check and a detailed physical exam given by an LA County affiliated medical office.
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