NJ Civil Service Navigator

LIFEGUARD

Code: 02297 Local Non-Competitive

There is no civil service exam for Lifeguard. As a non-competitive local-government title, it is filled on the strength of meeting the listed qualifications.

Eligibility comes down to a professional license.

How to apply

This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.

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Where this title is used

Lifeguard is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.

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Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Lifeguard or other supervisory official, protects life and provides for the safety and welfare of persons in swimming/bathing areas; does other related duties.

Examples of work

  • Observes bathers on assigned sections of swimming/bathing areas.
  • Patrols or monitors swimming areas on foot, in vehicles, or from towers to ensure safety and enforce rules and regulations.
  • Rescues distressed bathers using buoys, boats, lines, floats, and other rescue equipment.
  • Administers artificial respiration, resuscitation, and first-aid treatment prior to the arrival of emergency medical staff.
  • Cooperates with medical and law enforcement personnel at the scene of an emergency
  • Assists in cleaning the pool and related facilities and equipment.
  • Monitors weather and water conditions; warns swimmers/bathers of hazardous situations.
  • Warns swimmers of improper activities or danger and enforces regulations and water safety policies.
  • Informs bathers of restrictions in bathing area.
  • Maintains rescue equipment in preparation for immediate response.
  • Notifies proper authorities of public disturbances.
  • Maintains essential records and files.
  • Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related unit.

License

Appointees for public recreational bathing areas classified as swimming pools or lakes must possess current and valid lifeguard certification issued by the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, National Pool and Waterpark, Lifeguard Training, the YMCA or other recognized organizations.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of water rescue methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of first aid and life resuscitation (C.P.R.) techniques.
  • Knowledge of the surveillance methods used to recognize and prevent injuries in bathing areas.
  • Knowledge of water rescue equipment.
  • Ability to administer first aid.
  • Ability to maintain rescue equipment.
  • Ability to enforce swimming regulations.
  • Ability to swim in accordance with certification standards.
  • Ability to remain calm during water-rescue operations.
  • Ability to observe and report hazardous swimming conditions.
  • Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Appointees for public recreational bathing areas classified as ocean, tidal or open water must possess current and valid lifeguard certification issued by the United States Lifesaving Association (U.S.L.A), South Jersey Chief's Association (S.J.C.A) or other recognized organizations.

Applicants must possess current and valid standard first aid certification issued by the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council or other recognized organizations. For appointees to ocean and tidal water areas, certification must include a minimum of 21 hours of first aid training not including CPR training.

Applicants must possess current and valid CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification including adult, child and infant CPR as well as obstructed airway training issued by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council or other recognized organizations.

Appointees may also be required to possess current and valid AED (automatic external defibrillator) certification.

Appointees may be required to have training in supplemental oxygen support for adults, children and infants.

Appointees to ocean and tidal water areas may be required to possess basic or higher-level scuba diver certification.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.