Employment with Marine Safety

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Now Hiring for Summer 2026!

Become an Encinitas Lifeguard

Congratulations! You're taking the first step towards the best job in the world. As part of the Encinitas Fire Department, our Marine Safety team plays a vital role in the safety of the beach community, provides public education about the ocean environment, and holds specialized skills in cliff, swift water, and dive rescue. We're thrilled you're interested in joining us.

There are two paths to becoming an Encinitas Lifeguard; both are outlined below. PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 2026 ACADEMY INTAKE IS FINISHED FOR THE YEAR; we no longer accepting new Academy candidates. We are planning to hold additional tryouts in late spring for Miramar College Academy graduates, as well as experienced lifeguard transfers from other agencies. Those tryout dates will be posted here by the end of March.

Have any questions along the way? Reach out to bfleener@encinitasca.gov.

Path 1: Rookie Lifeguards (No prior ocean lifeguarding experience): CLOSED FOR 2026

OUR ACADEMY INTAKE IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026. For alternative ways to join us, please continue to Path 2 below.

This path is for new lifeguards with no prior ocean lifeguarding experience, who have not attended a USLA-approved lifeguard academy.

This year, we're excited to offer select applicants the opportunity to be paid to attend Academy.

Step 1: Attend a performance test & interview
- You must complete a 550-yard swim in under 10 minutes.
- Candidates who pass the swim will be scheduled for an interview on the same day.
- Applicants who are awarded paid academy positions will be notified following the tryouts.

Step 2: Apply online
- The Lifeguard 1 application will be open until January 23, 2026. In order to apply, candidates must:
  - Have a valid California Driver's License
  - Be 18 years of age by July 1, 2026.

Step 3: Pass a background check & medical exam
- Pass a fingerprint and background check.
- Pass a medical exam, including a drug test and TB test. You will need to return to the doctor ~48 hours after the TB test to have the results read.

Step 4: Attend HR orientation
- Orientation will take place the morning of Monday, March 3, 2026.

Step 5: Attend the Encinitas Lifeguard Academy
- Academy runs weekends from Saturday, March 14th through Saturday, April 25.
- All candidates must be available to attend every day of Academy.
- Academy Cadets will be hired as Lifeguard Trainees. Upon graduation, successful cadets will be eligible to begin working as a Lifeguard 1.

Questions? Reach out anytime to Brenna Fleener, bfleener@encinitasca.gov.

Path 2: Experienced Ocean Lifeguards OR Graduates from a USLA-Certified Academy

This path is for (1) experienced ocean lifeguards seeking to join as a transfers, or (2) rookie lifeguards who have graduated from another USLA-certified open water lifeguard academy, such as Miramar.

Step 1: Attend a performance test & interview
- You must complete:
  - 550-yard ocean swim in under 10 minutes
  - 250-yard run, 250-yard swim, and 250-yard run in under 8 minutes
  - Dummy drag of 50 ft in under 30 seconds (150 lbs)
  - Paddleboard proficiency test
  - CPR skills test
- Candidates who pass the swim will be scheduled for an interview on the same day.

Step 2: Apply online
- Candidates must:
  - Have a valid California Driver's License
  - Be 18 years of age by July 1, 2026
  - A valid USLA-certified Lifeguard Academy certificate
  - Have a current American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response, or a valid San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician certificate
  - Have a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, or American Heart Association B.L.S. for Healthcare Provider
  - For transfer candidates: Experience working with a USLA-certified Southern California lifeguard agency within the last 24 months

Step 3: Pass a background check & medical exam
- Pass a fingerprint and background check.
- Pass a medical exam, including a drug test and TB test. You will need to return to the doctor ~48 hours after the TB test to have the results read.

Step 4: Attend HR orientation
- Orientations take place every other Monday morning, and will be scheduled as soon as your medical exam is complete.
- Upon completion of orientation, candidates will be eligible to begin working.

Questions? Reach out anytime to Brenna Fleener, bfleener@encinitasca.gov.

Tryout Dates & Location

Tryout Dates

All tryouts are walk-up; no application is required prior to attending a tryout.

All candidates must bring a current CA Driver's License to the tryout, and be 18 by July 1, 2026. Those under the age of 18 at the time of try out will need to have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian—contact Brenna Fleener (bfleener@encinitasca.gov) for more details.

[COMPLETED] Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Backup / rain delay date: Sunday, October 19, 2025

[COMPLETED] Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Backup / rain delay date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

[COMPLETED] Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Backup / rain delay date: Sunday, December 14, 2025

[COMPLETED] Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Backup / rain delay date: Sunday, January 18, 2025

COMING SOON: Additional tryouts for transfers & Miramar graduates
- Tryouts in April & May will be published by the end of March

All tryouts will be held at 09:00 am PST, at Moonlight Beach (400 W. C St., Encinitas 92024). Rain delays will be updated here by 7 am the morning of the scheduled tryout. Candidates may not wear goggles, wetsuits, rash guards or swim caps made of neoprene during the performance test.

Salary Ranges

For more information regarding the academy or employment with us, please feel free to contact bfleener@encinitasca.gov.

Important Updates:

City of Encinitas

Welcome to the City of Encinitas!

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Employment with Marine Safety

Now Hiring for Summer 2026!

Become an Encinitas Lifeguard

Tryout Dates

Encinitas Lifeguard Salary Ranges