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Surf City Lifeguarding Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a Surf City Lifeguard:
What
is the hiring process to become a
You must fill out a pre-employment application that you may pick up at the Borough or download
here and take the lifeguard test. Click
here to download an application for lifeguarding.
The application is in Adobe pdf format.
What does the
pre-season lifeguard
test consist of?
The lifeguard test consists of a timed swim, a dive test (see next paragraph), and an interview. The swim test is 500m in
the St. Francis Community Center indoor pool that must be completed in 10
minutes or
less.
There will also be victim recovery test where each applicant will don a mask and snorkel and bring up a manikin from the deep end of the pool and swim it to the pool edge. You will also be expected to be able to clear the snorkel. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. If you don't own a mask and snorkel don't worry, we'll have them at the test.
What is the pay?
You may view the 2018 lifeguard pay scale here.
In addition,
1.
Work at least 75% of the summer or 52 days.
2.
Work at least 2 weekdays during the final week.
3.
Work at least 1 day during the final weekend.
What if I can't attend the first swim
test?
Contact me at dileomd@comcast.net
Of course the most important part of the swim test is the time. That being
said, it is very important to be able to swim with your head in the water (an
efficient freestyle stroke) and to swim straight. Learn to coordinate your
breathing and swimming and to keep your feet from sinking while swimming.
Also keep in mind that doing a lot of surfing does not mean that you can swim
freestyle or are in shape for the test.
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.
How difficult is it to
make the swimming time?
Unless you are or were recently on a swim team you will probably need to refine
your stroke and get in swimming shape to
make the swim time.
What should I do to prepare
for the swim test?
Again, this depends on your swimming skill and fitness level but I would suggest 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. Say, 3 times a week, swimming a total of 1000 yards
each time. A good workout would be 100 yards(4 laps), 200yds(8 laps), 300 yds(12laps),
400yds(16laps) 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 First Aid throughout the summer. The beach patrol will be able to certify you in
CPR if you do not hold that certification. If you plan on getting CPR
certified make sure the course you take is the American Heart Association BLS
Healthcare Provider or the Red Cross equivalent. Advanced lifesaving or lifeguard training is
beneficial but not mandatory.
How old must I be to
lifeguard in
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. Also remember to bring your running shoes!
You also might want to bring your own mask and snorkel if you own them.
Otherwise we'll have them for you. Sometimes its cold on the day of the test.
Will the test be held if
it looks like it is going to rain?
The pre-season test is in an indoor pool so the test will take place regardless
of the weather.
When and where is the
lifeguard test?
There will be two lifeguard tests. Both will be at the St. Francis Pool
located at 4700 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach, NJ 08008. Check the
homepage of this website for test dates and times.
We will be meeting AT THE ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY POOL.
Can you give me some tips for
the lifeguard test?
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 six days a week from
Does
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
dileomd1@gmail.com