Beach Safety Lifeguard

JOB SUMMARY
Lifeguards are employed to patrol the beach to oversee the aquatic activities taking place and to ensure the safety of those patrons that are utilizing the public beaches. Lifeguards are responsible for providing protection of life on public beaches, basic life support assistance on an emergency basis for the care and treatment of sick and injured person(s), and assists with the enforcement of safety rules, regulations and ensuring the safety of beach patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. In addition, lifeguards are employed to perform any other assigned duties when not actively serving in the role as a lifeguard and beach safety.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Recognizes and responds effectively in emergencies.
2. Enforces all City ordinances pertaining to the public beaches to include beach safety ordinances.
3. Observes and supervises the activities of the public; monitors marine and weather conditions; identifies potential dangers and takes effective action.
4. Initiates or assists with the rescue of patrons in the beach and/or in the water;
5. Administers first aid or lifesaving techniques as indicated, provides basic life support care and treatment of sick and injured persons, uses rescue equipment and dispatches emergency vehicles.
6. Assists with control of the scene and non-injured persons.
7. Maintains log of daily procedures and completes reports and forms associated with patient care.
8. Operates and conducts daily maintenance of motorized vehicles according to City regulations.
9. Attends mandatory staff meetings and in-service training sessions, maintains current professional certifications as required.
10. Maintains a positive rapport and image with the public.
11. Reports any difficulties, complaints, accidents, and damages to the Beach Safety Supervisor or Beach Safety Division Chief
12. Informs Beach Safety Supervisor or Beach Safety Division Chief when equipment needs repair of maintenance.
13. Checks to ensure that all safety and rescue equipment is in the proper working order on a daily basis.
14. Swims regularly as specified by the supervisor.
15. Makes decisions regarding unsafe activities that may lead to injury to beach patrons.

All positions at the City of Orange Beach have the job responsibilities below:

1. Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner.
2. Maintains a highly professional attitude and demeanor at all times.
3. Provides responsible, appropriate, and satisfactory leadership within the City.
4. Communicates positively and professionally in all aspects of the position.
5. Attends all department meetings, City meetings, and professional development activities.
6. Becomes thoroughly familiar with all pertinent state and national policies and comply with said policies.
7. Complies with City wide and departmental policies, as well as state and federal laws.
8. Ensures the positive promotion of the City.
9. Is prompt and punctual in reporting for work, meetings, etc.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Thorough knowledge and application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques.
2. An understanding of beach characteristics, ordinances, policies and procedures.
3. Decision-making skills.
4. Proficiency in all techniques and systems for the assurance of the patron and employee safety, lifeguarding principles and emergency actions required for the health and well-being of swimmers and other patrons of the public beaches.
5. Displays skill in swimming and rescuing endangered persons in the gulf.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job may be considered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a minimum of 17 years of age or older.
2. Current and valid Alabama Driver’s License with vessel endorsement.
3. United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Surf Lifesaving Certificate (attendance at in-house academy required prior to hire).
4. Current Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification for Adult, Child, and Infant.
5. Ability to obtain the following certifications: First Aid or First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder (EMR); Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
6. Prerequisite Swim: 500 Meters / 550 Yards in 10 minutes or less.
7. Willing to work nights, weekends, holidays and other non-standard hours when necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. One-year experience as a lifeguard is preferred.
2. Emergency Medical Technician preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work requires frequent physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, or similar activities, recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as above average swimming ability, agility, dexterity and strength.

Work involves moderate risk or discomforts, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around or with moving vehicles, possible contagious diseases and dangerous surf. Employees may be required to use protective clothing and work outside in extreme conditions.