Apply for a temporary lifeguard position
Apply for a temporary lifeguard position with the City.
Seasonal lifeguard positions
Please note
Applications closed on 10 June 2025.
We have a number of lifeguard positions available that will be based at beaches and swimming pools across the city, during the summer season.
Lifeguards are employed on a temporary contract during the swimming season from September 2025 until the end of April 2026.
You can apply for the following positions:
-
Seasonal beach lifeguard
-
Seasonal pool lifeguard
-
Seasonal senior beach lifeguard
-
Seasonal senior pool lifeguard
fitness and drug testing
All shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing, fitness tests and competency assessments.
How to apply
Top tip
Applicants who worked in the last season (2024/2025) do not need to re-apply. Contact your nearest area office in the 'Contact us' section below for more information.
Only online applications will be accepted. No paper submissions will be processed.
Apply using a computer, as cellphones are not compatible.
To apply for one of the above positions, you will need to do the following:
-
Step 1: Register for e-Services.
-
Step 2: Activate the careers service and create an online CV.
-
Step 3: Complete the online application form.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact our staff during specific hours for assistance.
Requirements
The lifeguard application process is rigorous and requires further training and testing for the prospective candidates. Each lifeguard has to meet requirements in line with the standard put in place by Lifesaving South Africa.
An overview of the basic requirements for each position is available below:
Seasonal beach lifeguard
To apply you will need one of the following:
- Grade 10 report and 6 months’ voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club and/ or have worked one season as a temporary/ seasonal Beach Lifeguard; or
- a qualification equivalent to a Grade 10, and 6 months' voluntary duties with a surf lifesaving club and/or have worked one season as a temporary/seasonal lifeguard; or
- a minimum of five years lifesaving experience, while in possession of a Lifeguard Award with valid annual retests.
In addition, you will need:
- a valid
Surf Lifeguard Award, Rescue Swimmer Award or equivalent with
current annual retest;
- a clear criminal record and no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
- to be drug free: all shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing; and
- a valid Level 2 First Aid certificate;
The following would be advantageous:
- A valid Code A motorcycle licence or Code EB driver's licence.
Seasonal municipal pool lifeguard
To apply you will need:
- Grade 10 certificate or 12 months' relevant lifesaving experience;
- a valid
Level 1 First Aid certificate, or you will be required to obtain one within 3 months of appointment
- to be physically fit;
- the ability to meet the requirements based on the standards set by Lifesaving South Africa;
- a clear criminal record and no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
- to be drug free: all shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing; and
- good communication and strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to uphold the image of the City at all times.
The following would be advantageous:
- A valid lifeguard certificate
Seasonal senior beach lifeguard
To apply you will need one of the following:
- Grade 12 certificate, or equivalent, with a minimum of 2 years’ professional surf lifeguard experience; or
- A minimum of 10 years lifesaving experience while in possession of a Lifeguard Award with valid annual retests; or
- Experience as a lifesaving club squad leader for 5 years or more, while in possession of a Lifeguard Award awith valid annual retests.
In addition, you will need:
- a valid
First Aid Level 3 Certificate or equivalent;
- a valid
Surf Lifeguard Award, Rescue Swimmer Award or equivalent with
current annual retest;
- a valid Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) / Power Rescue Craft (PRC) driver’s certificate
- a willingness to attend Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act training;
- a valid and appropriate law enforcement qualification (Peace Officer) or willingness to attend relevant training;
- a clear criminal record and no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases; and
- to be drug free: all shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing.
The following would be advantageous:
- Supervisory Skills Training Course certificate or equivalent;
- Surf Proficiency Award (SPA) Instructor's Certificate or equivalent;
- Valid skipper's licence;
- a valid Code EB vehicle driver’s licence; and
- Valid professional driver permit (PrDP).
Seasonal senior municipal pool lifeguard
To apply you will need:
- Grade 10 certificate;
- a valid
Level 1 First Aid certificate;
- the ability to meet the requirements according to the standard as per Lifesaving South Africa;
- at least 24 months (4 seasons) relevant lifesaving experience;
- to be physically fit;
- a clear criminal record and no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
- to be drug free: all shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo compulsory drug testing; and
- good communication and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to uphold the image of the City at all times.
The following would be advantageous:
- A valid lifeguard certificate
- Proven supervisory experience
For more information about the positions, visit our job search app.
Would you like to print this page?
print