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Surf City Lifeguarding Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a Surf City Lifeguard:

What is the hiring process to become a Surf City lifeguard?
You must fill out a pre-employment application that you may pick up at the Borough or download here and take the lifeguard test.  All of the training required to be an ocean lifeguard will be completed "in house" by the Surf City Beach Patrol.

What does the pre-season lifeguard test consist of?
The lifeguard test consists of a timed swim, a dive test and a short interview.   The swim test is 500m in the bay that must be completed in 10 minutes or less.  If this is your first time trying out you may swim in the pool but you will be expected to pass the open water test before you sit a stand.  For your reference, 500m is approximately 550 yards, which is 11 laps, or 22 lengths of a standard 25 yard swimming pool.  Keep in mind that if you are practicing the distance in a pool the swim is a more challenging in open water because you must deal with wind, waves, lack of wall push off, and navigation.  With that being said if you really want to be a lifeguard we will work with you and help with your swimming.  It has been my experience that most people who really work at it improve their swimming enough to pass the test with time to spare.

What is the pay?

2022 Surf City Lifeguard Pay Scale

Experience 2022 Hourly
1st Year $585.00 $15.00
2nd Year $604.50 $15.50
3rd Year $624.00 $16.00
4th Year $643.50 $16.50
5th Year $663.00 $17.00
6th Year $682.50 $17.50
7th Year $682.50 $17.50
8th Year $702.00 $18.00
9th Year $721.50 $18.50
10th Year+ $741.00 $19.00

What if I can't attend the first swim test?
Make-up tests are available.  Please contact me at mdileo@surfcitynj.org

What will you be looking at during the swim test besides the time?
Making the time, swimming straight, and swimming freestyle without stopping.

Tell me more about the swim test?
You may bring goggles to the swim test and I suggest that you do.  Besides being in good swimming shape you should be able to swim straight to a mark in open water.  The entire swim test must be completed using the freestyle or crawl stroke and no stopping is permitted.

What should I do to prepare for the swim test?
Again, this depends on your swimming skill and fitness level but I would suggest at minimum 20-30 minutes of swimming three times a week for about four weeks before the test.   You should be in good enough shape to swim at a relatively hard pace for 10 minutes or 550 yards (22 pool lengths in a 25 yard pool) so you know that you can pass the USLA swim test.  I would spend some time at a pool.  3-4 times a week, swimming a total of 1000-1500 yards each time. A good workout would be 100 yards(4 laps), 200yds(8 laps), 300 yds(12laps), 400yds(16laps), 8x50 sprints, and a cool down of 50 yard (2 laps). One lap is once across the pool. Across and back is two laps.

Do I need any certifications?
You will need to be certified in Advanced First Aid (minimum 17 hour course) and CPR with AED.  We will provide the training and certifcations.   Advanced lifesaving or lifeguard training is beneficial but not mandatory.

How old must I be to lifeguard in Surf City?
You must be at least sixteen (16) years old to work as a lifeguard in Surf City.  If you are under eighteen years old you will have to get working papers before you begin work.  Working papers are obtained though an online process shown below.

Process to obtain NJ working papers for 16 and 17 year old lifeguards.
All 16 and 17 year old lifeguards must have NJ working papers.  Working papers from other states are not sufficient, you must apply for and obtain NJ working papers.  The process is streamlined now that it is an online procedure.

Go to the website below to get your working paper application started.  You parent/guardian will need to create an account and fill out the required form.  Our unique employer code is listed below.  One you finish and submit the application the state will electronically send your application to me to approve.  When your application is approved by the State of NJ they will notify me.

https://www.nj.gov/labor/youngworkers/find-a-job/working-papers/getstarted.shtml

Borough of Surf City - Lifeguards
Employer Unique Code:  00005917

What is a good time to get?
A competitive college swimmer will generally complete the test in under 6 minutes.  The majority of the squad does it in 7 to 9+ minutes. 

What do I need to bring to the lifeguard test?
Swim trunks, goggles, a towel, and worm clothes to change into after the test. 

Will the test be held if it looks like it is going to rain?
If there isn't any chance of lightning and it's not raining hard we'll probably still swim.  Either way we will meet at the lifeguard garage at 9AM to complete paperwork and a short orientation meeting.

When and where is the lifeguard test?
All applicants will meet at the lifeguard garage at 9AM.  The garage is in the borough parking lot located at 813 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City, NJ 08008.

Can you give me some tips for the lifeguard test?
 Sure, make sure you can swim straight in open water and that you can swim freestyle the entire 550 yards without stopping.   You should practice sighting every 2 or 3 strokes depending on how straight you swim.  Time yourself in a pool and you'll know how you're doing!

Does the Borough of Surf City have housing for Lifeguards?
No.  At this point in time the Borough does not offer housing for lifeguards.

How many days a week will I be working and what are the hours?
You will be working up to six days a week from 9:45 to 5:00. 

Does Surf City hire part-time lifeguards?
Yes, Surf City does hire part-time lifeguards.

Will I have to pay for the uniform?
The Borough will supply you with a uniform. 

What is included in the uniform I will receive?
You will receive two pairs of shorts, t-shirt, long sleeve t, sweat top, sweat bottom, hat, whistle, and a jacket.  All first year lifeguards receive jackets. 

 

Surf City Beach Patrol, 813 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City, NJ 08008
 Surf City Borough Hall (609) 494-3064  mdileo@surfcitynj.org