City of Davis

What does it take to become a Lifeguard for the City of Davis?

1. The first step is to become certified as an “American Red Cross Lifeguard”
   • A listing of classes and information on how to register can be found at:
     http://cityofdavis.org/cs/aquatics/safetyclasses.cfm
   • Prerequisites - Minimum age of 15 and must pass a swimming skills test, including: swim 300 yards continuously using front crawl and breaststroke, swim 20 yards and retrieve a brick from 7-10 feet in the water (timed).
   • To receive course certifications, participants must:
   • Attend all class sessions.
   • Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
   • Demonstrate competency in the three final skill scenarios.
   • Correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions in the three sections of the final written exam.
      
2. Once you have enrolled in a Lifeguard Training course, you may submit a City application for the position of Lifeguard (deadline is March 1, 2010).
   • City applications and jobs descriptions are located at:
     http://cityofdavis.org/jobs/parttime.cfm
   • Proof of lifeguard certification or enrollment in a Lifeguard Training course, must be submitted with your application.
      
3. The most qualified applicants will be invited to interview for the Lifeguard position.
    
4. In addition to an interview, these applicants will be asked to attend pre-employment skills/knowledge testing, which will include:
   
   • Active victim rescue, passive submerged rescue, spinal injury management, CPR/AED skills, and first aid skills.
   • A 500 yard swim (10 minutes or less).
   • A 25 yard approach stroke sprint (20 seconds or less).
   • Treading water with a 10-lb brick (2 minutes).
   • 3 written tests (CPR/AED, First Aid, and Lifeguarding).
      
5. Candidates ranked highest (interviews & pre-employment testing) will move on to the next step of the hiring process: A payroll meeting/orientation.
    
6. All Lifeguards are required to attend the following spring in-service training dates: Saturday April 24 and Sunday April 25, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day.
    
7. Newly hired Lifeguards must pass out of the city’s “Shadow Guard” program prior to working regular hours, in which they will be paired with an experienced Lifeguard for three days.
    
8. Additional ongoing City Lifeguard trainings throughout the spring and summer include:
   • Victim Recognition Drills.
   • Summer In-service Training (Week of June 14, 2010).
   • Summer Weekly Trainings.
   • Summer Competency Testings.
      

The spring/summer aquatic season runs from May 10 - September 6, 2010 at the Arroyo, Manor, and Community Pools.

For more information, please call the Community Services Department at (530) 757-5626.