Employment with Marine Safety

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Hiring Closed 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.

We are no longer hiring for summer 2026. Offseason opportunities for experienced ocean lifeguard transfer candidates may become available in the fall; we will confirm details on those tryouts by September 15, 2026.

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 2, 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 Lifeguard: CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2026

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

Salary Ranges

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

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City of Encinitas

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Employment with Marine Safety

Hiring Closed for Summer 2026

Become an Encinitas Lifeguard

Tryout Dates

Encinitas Lifeguard Salary Ranges