Seasonal lifeguard applications are open
Persons interested in a seasonal lifeguard position at a municipal pool or beach have until 18 June 2024 to get their applications in and are urged to apply before the closing date.
The Recreation and Parks Department recruits hundreds of seasonal lifeguards each year as part of its summer readiness plans, when thousands of people visit municipal pools and beaches.
There are four categories of lifeguards: beach lifeguard, senior beach lifeguard, swimming pool lifeguard, and senior swimming pool lifeguard who work seasonally. Potential candidates will be required to undergo competency testing during the selection process.
In addition to meeting all of the set criteria, candidates are also required to pass a compulsory swim and rescue test and demonstrate first aid skills.
The assessment for beach lifeguards requires candidates to complete a 400 metre swimming pool swim in under eight minutes, and to complete a 200 metre beach run – 300 metre sea swim – 200 metre beach run in under 10 minutes, while the assessment for pool lifeguards requires candidates to swim 100 metres in under two minutes.
Applicants must also have a clean criminal record, with no pending charges and be drug-free.
‘Our lifeguards are the first line of defence in our drowning prevention strategy, and wearing the uniform comes with great responsibility. Every year we draw hundreds of hopefuls, and I have no doubt that this year will see similar interest. I want to encourage applicants to carefully check the requirements to ensure that they are eligible, but also to make sure that their applications are completed in full, with all of the supporting documentation, submitted as soon as possible,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
Applicants are advised of the following:
- Only online applications will be accepted. Candidates are required to register for e-recruitment on the City’s website and complete the application form before the deadline.
- Applicants who have worked in the last season (2023/2024), need not re-apply but are requested to contact their nearest area office.
- More information on the recruitment process and requirements is available here: https://bit.ly/3XdKKUF
ELIGIBILITY
Suitably qualified candidates
REFERENCE NUMBER
RP 16/24 ext
SALARY
Basic R 89.85 per hour
DEPARTMENT
Recreation and Parks
DIRECTORATE
COMMUNITY SERVICES and
HEALTH
Seasonal Beach Lifeguard
Requirements
Applicants who have worked in the last season (2023 2024) need not
re-apply but are requested to contact their nearest area office.
• Applicants are required to be in possession of at least one of the following:
– Grade 10 report and 6 months’ voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club and/ or have worked one season as a temporary/ seasonal Beach Lifeguard or;
– A qualification equivalent to a grade 10 and 6 months’ voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club and / or have worked one season as a temporary / seasonal Beach Lifeguard or;
– A minimum of 5 years lifesaving experience while in possession of a Lifeguard Award with valid annual retests
– Valid Surf Lifeguard Award, Rescue Swimmer Award or equivalent with current annual retest
– Clear criminal record and no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/ or pending sentencing cases
– Drug free
– Valid Level 2 First Aid certificate or will be required to obtain one within 6 months of appointment
– NOTE: All shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing
– NOTE: All shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo compulsory competency assessments
– A valid Code A motorcycle licence or Code EB driver’s licence would be an advantage
NOTE: The swimming season commences in September 2024 and will end in April 2025, with the high season starting 01 December 2024.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for appointment as seasonal staff on a NON-PERMANENT SEASONAL CONTRACT basis. Successful candidates are required to work on an
“as-and-when-required” basis up to a maximum payment of 40 hours per week, primarily over weekends, public holidays and during the school holidays and festive season periods.
Key Performance Areas
• Lifeguarding duties, including the following:
– Conducting and assisting with rescues
– Rendering first aid
– Following stipulated procedures relating to tower / radio / lookout lifeguard, support lifeguard and patrol lifeguard
– Completing incident report sheets and performing other administrative functions
– Setting out the bathing area
– Promoting beach safety
– Communicating and educating the general public about the City’s drowning prevention programme
– Actively patrol the beach, monitor activities and report back to the Senior Lifeguard on a regular basis
– Taking care of lost children and working with Law Enforcement to unite them with parents
– Complying with Senior Lifeguard instructions and all rules, regulations and procedures
– Administrative functions
– Upholding the professional image of the Department and City of Cape Town
NOTE:
– The Lifeguards will be reporting directly to the relevant Senior Beach Lifeguard or Principal Facility Officer
– Incumbents will be required to undertake and pass regular skills and fitness tests as per the set standards
– Incumbents will be required to keep essential qualifications valid at all times
– Incumbents must be willing to work irregular hours including weekends and public holidays, and overtime as needed
– Incumbents must be prepared to work in various geographical areas if required
How to Apply
By submitting your application for a position at the City of Cape Town, you are consenting to the use of your personal information provided as part of your application and/or Recruitment process for
Recruitment and Selection purposes. In addition, you may be required to undergo, including but not limited to, Criminal and Security Checks, Personal Verification, and Lifestyle Audits,
throughout your recruitment process and/or subsequent employment.
Kindly read the attached Director’s Communication regarding Lifeguarding Opportunities in the City of Cape Town, before completing the online application. www.capetown.gov.za
External candidates: APPLY ON LINE VIA https://www.capetown.gov.za/careers
Internal staff: APPLY ON LINE VIA SAP PORTAL
Certified copies of qualifications must be available on request.
Applicants are respectfully informed that, if no notification of
appointment is received within three months of the closing date,
they must accept that their applications were unsuccessful.
In order to apply online, applicants must first create an eServices
Account on the City of Cape Town Website.
Applicants may use any computer with internet access to apply.
Smart phones are not compatible with this online application process
and cannot be used to apply.
Applicants may use a SmartCape computer at a City of Cape Town
Library if they are a library member.
To become a library member you will need to apply for membership
at a library with your ID and proof of residence.
Please note that no late applications will be considered.
Please note that no hard copy or emailed applications will be
accepted.
Online applications must include the submission of:
• A recently certified copy of your South African Identity Document
(no affidavits will be accepted)
• A recently certified copy of educational certificates
• A recently certified copy of a Lifeguard Award (no affidavits will
be accepted)
• A valid Level 2 First Aid Certificate for Seasonal Beach Lifeguard
applications