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Please fill out the 2026 OC LIFEGUARD CADET APPLICATION so we can contact you with updates.
Tryout Waiver must be printed and signed and brought to check-in.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is the entry level for seasonal lifeguard employment. Under supervision, the seasonal ocean lifeguard performs the following duties:
  • Provide visual scanning and surveillance of area of beach from an assigned station in the protection of life, limb, and property, advising beach-goers of County Ordinance violations, making rescues, and doing related work as assigned
  • Warn citizens of dangerous situations using an aggressive preventive approach, maintain communication with supervisors and headquarters
  • Rescue persons in distress, apply first aid, administer CPR as needed, maintain all lifeguard equipment, remove hazards and obstacles on the beach, and maintain a courteous relationship with the public and the fellow workers.
  • Communicate effectively and maintain outstanding public relations and service.
  • Swim in adverse weather conditions and rough surf.
  • Implement an effective course of action in an emergency situation.
  • Maintain constant observation of an assigned area for signs of danger.
  • Carry one’s self in a professional manner.
  • Maintain annual certifications, training updates and qualification
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be 16 years of age as of June 1st. Candidates must have the ability to read and write English and have the physical strength and endurance necessary to rescue a struggling victim in the water. All candidates are required to possess the visual and hearing acuity necessary to detect and rescue a struggling victim in the water.
Questions? Email us at info@oclg.org or call (949) 276-5050.
All applicants are required to successfully complete the following prior to being hired:
  • Submit 2026 OC LIFEGUARD CADET APPLICATION
  • Pass a timed tryout in the ocean consisting of:
    • 500m Swim/400m Run/500m Swim/400m Run
    • 500m swim must be completed in less than 10 minutes
    • Entire swim/run/swim/run must be completed in under 25 minutes
  • Successful completion of OC Lifeguards Training Academy consisting of 90 hours of online and in-person instruction in the following:
    • Public Safety First Aid Certification
    • CPR/AED Certification
    • Open Water Search and Rescue, Lifesaving Techniques and Operations
  • Pass an Interview and Background Check
Mandatory Tryout, Orientation and Training Dates

Tryouts-
Date: 4/11/26 (Saturday)
Time: 07:30 AM
Location: Salt Creek Tower #3
Objective: Safely test candidates for candidacy for the OCLG Lifeguard Academy.
Alternate: Individual tryouts may be requested from 11/1/25 to 4/8/26.
Interview-
Date: 4/11/26 (Saturday)
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: OCLG HQ - 34127 PCH, Dana Point
Objective: Interview candidates for candidacy for the OCLG Lifeguard Academy.
Academy Orientation-
Date: 4/22/26 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00pm
Location: OCLG HQ
Objective: Prepare Cadets for the Academy’s requirements in uniform, blended/online learning and pretesting, health checks, and performance expectations.
Blended/Online Learning-
Date: 4/23-Due 5/15
Time: On your own time
Location: Remote/Online
Objective: Provide online pre-instruction and testing to prepare for the classroom instruction for Public Safety First Aid and CPR/AED.
Public Safety First Aid and CPR/AED Classroom-
Date: 5/16-5/17(Sat-Sun)
Time: 8:00am-6:00pm
Location: OCLG HQ
Objective: Provide classroom based instruction, hands on skills practice and testing for PSFA and CPR/AED.
Open Water Lifeguard Academy-
Date: 6/6-6/14 (Sat-Sun)(rest day on 6/18 & 6/12, 7 total days)
Time: 8:00am-6:00pm
Location: OCLG HQ and Field Divisions
Objective: Provide intensive hands-on instruction, testing, certification, and in-field practical training for Open Water Lifeguard job performance.
OCLG On-Boarding-
Date: 6/15(Mon)
Time: 6:00pm
Location: OCLG HQ
Objective: Candidates who successfully completed all requirements will complete the on-boarding process including payroll information, uniform issuing, shift assignment, drug screening and employee account set up.

2026 OC LIFEGUARD CADET APPLICATION

Questions? Email us at info@oclg.org or call (949) 276-5050.