The City’s designated beaches and public swimming pools have lifeguards present, generally from late September until mid-April each year.
This requires a full complement of suitably qualified candidates to ensure public safety during this period.
The Recreation and Parks Department puts hundreds of candidates through their paces each winter, in preparation for the summer season.
Apart from having to meet all of the set criteria to apply for the positions, lifeguards also undergo physical assessments to prove that they’re up to the task.
‘This is arguably one of the most important roles in the City over the summer season, and so it comes with a rigorous vetting process to ensure that we are able to appoint the best candidates. Cape Town’s beaches and swimming pools are very popular among residents and visitors alike, and water safety is something that we take very seriously. So I call on all persons with lifeguarding experience to step forward and apply to be part of the team,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
There are four categories of lifeguards, namely: seasonal beach lifeguard, seasonal senior beach lifeguard, seasonal pool lifeguard and seasonal senior pool lifeguard.
Apart from having proven qualifications, applicants are also required to have a clear criminal record and no pending cases, must be drug free and shortlisted candidates will have to pass a physical assessment.
Applicants for beach lifeguard positions have to be able to complete a 400m swim test in under eight minutes and various rescue and first aid techniques.
Applicants for pool lifeguard positions have to complete a 100m swim test in under two minutes as well as various rescue and first aid techniques.
More information on the recruitment process and requirements is available here: http://bit.do/fUuYA