BEACH LIFEGUARDS - $21.58 - $22.66 an hour

This a part-time, temporary position.

The City of Morro Bay is now taking applications for the 2026 Summer Season!  We are looking for fun, sun-loving, and adventurous lifeguards to join our team and help keep our beach-goers safe! As a beach lifeguard, you'll have the best view in the house as you scan the horizon for sharks, dolphins, and anything else that might make a splash. 

Beach Lifeguards: Have a strong understanding of the ocean and a desire to serve the public by ensuring the safety of all visitors.

Duties include but are not limited to: patrolling the beach and ocean areas for the protection and safety of the public, responding to beach and ocean emergencies, monitoring beach and ocean conditions, warning and advising of hazards, and administration of first aid and CPR.

Hourly Wage:      Step 1                   Step 2                 Step 3  

                            $21.58/hr             $22.11/hr             $22.66/hr 

Qualifications: Knowledge of ocean dynamics, strong ocean swimmer, good physical condition. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Successful applicants will be trained in American Red Cross First Aid for Safety Personnel (Title 22), CPR for the Professional Rescuer and USLA Ocean Lifeguard I certification or must be current prior to start of work. (See Training below).Other certifications will be considered upon approval by the Morro Bay Harbor Department.    

Hours/Scheduling: The Harbor Department seeks committed persons interested in working 20-40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime, throughout the summer. There will be some “reserve” positions available working shorter schedules and candidates should be prepared to state their availability.

Application Process: Individuals can apply through the City website at https://www.morrobayca.gov/832/Employment-Opportunities

Application Deadline: Applications, along with any current certifications, must be submitted by Friday, April 3rd, 2026 by 5:00pm.

Selection/Testing Process: All applications received will be reviewed for completeness, job related qualifications and proper certifications. Those candidates possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will take place on Saturday, April 4th. Testing will first consist of a pass/fail USLA-standard timed swim of 500 meters that must be completed in 10 minutes or less, a run-swim-run on the beach/ocean, and a test of the use of ocean rescue boards. Optional: Applicants are encouraged to wear a wetsuit. Physical testing will be followed by a same-day oral interview. Morro Bay Harbor Department will administer all testing and interviews, with assistance from the Morro Bay Recreation Services. Prior to being hired, all successful candidates must pass a background check and fingerprinting.  Candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Training: New hires will be sponsored to attend the USLA academy as well as first aid/CPR at the minimum wage Cadet rate of $16.90/hr. Academy dates will be April 17-19, May 15-17 and 22-23. Friday evenings beginning at 6pm and all day Saturday and Sunday. Complete attendance is required and failure to meet all of the requirements for the job may result in withdrawal of a job offer.  Questions can be directed to the Lifeguard Supervisor, Jeremiah Jacobs at [email protected] or to the Harbor Department at (805) 772-6254.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.