Strong Swimmers Sought for Lifeguard Tryouts

Swimmers who can handle a 1,000-yard open ocean tryout and complete a run-swim-run test are encouraged to apply for Long Beach lifeguard spots.

The Long Beach Fire Department Marine Safety Division will hold tryouts at its lifeguard headquarters, 2100 E. Ocean Blvd., on Saturday, March 16, the department said in a news release.

Registration begins promptly at 8 a.m. and runs to 2:30 p.m. Candidates must be 17 years of age by July 1 and should bring a swimsuit, towel, Social Security card and photo identification. 

The "non-career" ocean lifeguards must be physically fit and motivated by public service, the department said. Those who qualify will be offered lifeguard training. Those who graduate successfully become eligible for the lifeguard workforce and can earn wages starting at $17.41 an hour.

The tryouts are in advance of the busy summer months when lifeguards are responsible for watching seven miles of beaches and 22 miles of waterways, including the waterfront along Bayshore Drive, Marina Park, Mother's Beach and Colorado Lagoon.

For more information, call the department's lifeguard headquarters at 562-570-1360 or visit the fire department's website.