Do you want to learn how to be a lifeguard in San Diego? Is being a lifeguard even a path you want to pursue?
In this feature, we’ll cover San Diego lifeguard requirements, lifeguard tryouts and how much you can expect to earn as a lifeguard in San Diego.
San Diego Lifeguard Requirements
Being trusted to save lives requires both a character check and assessing your physical condition. Below are requirements to be a lifeguard in San Diego.
Basics
- Valid California’s Driver License
- 18 years of age by June 30th
Performance
- Complete a 500 meter swim in Mission Bay in under 10 minutes
Screening Checks
- Fingerprint and Background check
- Medical Examination
- Drug test
- TB test
Certifications
- American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response certification
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider CPR certification
- Proof of completion of “Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding,” also known as the San Diego Regional Lifeguard Academy, within the last two years. If selected, this 80-hour course is paid training.
*More information on San Diego lifeguard requirements available through the City of San Diego.
Lifeguard Tryouts in San Diego
To begin your journey as a lifeguard in San Diego, you must pass the physical lifeguard tryout. It is important to note that lifeguard tryout dates only happen a few times per year. You should monitor San Diego Lifeguard Services for new dates. Tryouts begin promptly at 8am.
San Diego lifeguard tryouts are held in Mission Bay at Ventura Cove. The address is :
1000 West Mission Bay Dr. ~ San Diego, CA 92109
The tryout involves completing a 500 meter swim in under 10 minutes. 500 meters is the equivalent of .31 miles or 20 laps in a 25 meter pool. Regular swimming and a healthy diet will help you beat the swimming requirement.
How Much does a Lifeguard in San Diego Make?
There are three levels of lifeguards. Your pay range and/or salary will vary based on level.
Level 1: Most lifeguards begin at Level I which is basic lifeguard certification. Hourly pay for a Level 1 lifeguard in San Diego ranges hourly from $25.19 – $33.28. Expect to be on the lower end when you are just beginning.
Level 2: More experienced lifeguards that are in charge of lifeguard stations will earn on the higher end of the Level 1 scale. This is typically $30/hr and more in many cases.
Lifeguard Sergeant: Responsible for supervising lifeguard operations in a designated area. When you reach this level of lifeguard, you usually are employed year-round and begin taking home an annual salary. San Diego lifeguard salary for sergeants is in the range of $61,318.40 – $74,110.40 *reference
I have heard of tenured lifeguards in San Diego earning over $100,000 per year although this is more rare.
What does a Career as a Lifeguard Look Like?
Being a lifeguard is not all about sun tans and looking good on the beach like portrayed in Baywatch. Lifeguarding requires a high level of fitness and mental aptitude to stay focused. They must also be swift decision makers while remaining calm in a time of crisis.
After completing your certifications, you will likely begin as an entry level lifeguard. It normally takes years to move into a supervisor or leadership position. Also, most lifeguard positions are seasonal, even in San Diego. If you are valuable enough to earn your stripes, you may be kept on staff as a lifeguard year-round and be able to make a comfortable living.
Despite the path you take, being a lifeguard is an honorable job that serves your local community.
Good luck on your lifeguard journey! Stay subscribed for more local info or if you just want to read San Diego’s raddest weekly surf report 🙂
