In preparation for the summer season, the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department opened lifeguard applications over the weekend for those who want to become a seasonal lifeguard at a municipal pool or beach. The deadline to submit applications is 12 July. Interested candidates should submit their applications as soon as possible.
Through the recruitment of lifeguards, the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors at municipal pools and beaches throughout the metro during the festive and summer seasons.
‘Our lifeguards ensure that all our visitors are safe in and around the water, whether they choose to swim in our beautiful oceans or relax around our sparkling swimming pools. It’s an important job during which young people can make new friends and learn important life and social skills,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
These temporary positions are available to individuals who possess the necessary competencies and qualifications to perform the duties of a lifeguard or senior lifeguard.
A comprehensive scoring system is used by the City to identify the best candidates for the position of municipal beach and swimming pool lifeguards, based on the operational needs of the City.
There are four categories of lifeguards: beach lifeguard, senior beach lifeguard, swimming pool lifeguard, and senior swimming pool lifeguard who work seasonally. Potential candidates will be required to undergo rigorous testing during the selection process.
In addition to meeting all of the set criteria for applying for the positions, all candidates will be required to pass a compulsory swim and rescue test and demonstrate first aid skills.
The minimum swimming requirement for beach lifeguards is 400 metres in under eight minutes, and for pool lifeguards: 100 metres in under two minutes.
Applicants must also have a clean criminal record, with no pending charges and be drug free.
The Department is responsible for implementing the Drowning Prevention Framework of the City.
This includes a strong focus on providing over 600 seasonal lifeguards (340 beach lifeguards and 316 pool lifeguards) at numerous municipal swimming pools, tidal pools and beaches across Cape Town during the summer season.
This is to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. The City’s lifeguard season runs from September 2023 and ends in April 2024, with the high season starting on 01 December 2023.
‘We encourage candidates that meet the requirements to apply and be part of a team to make a difference this season. Lifeguards perform important duties, they are often the first responders in an emergency at the beach and conduct observations and spot potential hazards before they become life-threatening. They are also a key component of the City’s Drowning Prevention programme educating the public about water safety. If you are ready to jump into action and drive water safety, apply today,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
Please note that only online applications will be accepted. Candidates are required to register for e-recruitment on the City’s website and complete the application form before the deadline. Applicants who have worked in the last season (2022/2023), need not re-apply but are requested to contact their nearest area office.
More information on the recruitment process and requirements is available here: http://bit.do/fUuYA
