How to hire an ocean lifeguard specialist

How to hire an ocean lifeguard specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step ocean lifeguard specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an ocean lifeguard specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new ocean lifeguard specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an ocean lifeguard specialist, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An ocean lifeguard specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, ocean lifeguard specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of ocean lifeguard specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Ocean Lifeguard Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Ocean Lifeguard Specialist		$5-25
   Swim Instructor	As the name entails, swim instructors teach both children and adults how to swim. They help people develop their swimming ability through proper swimming techniques... Show more	$8-16
   Lifeguard/Swim Instructor	The primary job of lifeguards and swimming instructors is to keep an eye and teach swimmers at both private and public beaches, pools, private resorts, public parks, and summer camps. They implement local laws and regulations of the facility and provide help to swimmers who are in need... Show more	$10-16

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Lifeguard
   • Customer Service
   • Distribution Centers

   Responsibilities:

   • Examine injure persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
   • Safeguard all persons from injury or drowning through alertness and firm, courteous enforcement of pool rules.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your ocean lifeguard specialist job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An ocean lifeguard specialist can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, ocean lifeguard specialists' average salary in indiana is 51% less than in maine.
   • Seniority. Entry-level ocean lifeguard specialists 77% less than senior-level ocean lifeguard specialists.
   • Certifications. An ocean lifeguard specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an ocean lifeguard specialist's salary.

   Average ocean lifeguard specialist salary

   $12.44hourly

   $25,884 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level ocean lifeguard specialist salary

   $12,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing an ocean lifeguard specialist job description

   An ocean lifeguard specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an ocean lifeguard specialist job description:

   Ocean lifeguard specialist job description example

   Aquatica Orlando
   
   Here is how you can jump into exciting opportunities that ensure a memorable and positive experience for our guests.
   
   We have a simple formula for having an amazing, memorable time - just add water! Come make a big splash with us at Aquatica Park
   
   or Discovery Cove! No experience- No worries as PAIDon the Job training is available and American Red Cross Certification is PAID!
   
   What you get to do:
   
   As a Deep or Shallow Water Lifeguard, you'll be that extra set of eyes and ears that enable guests to relax and have fun. In addition to monitoring swimming areas and helping guests in distress, you'll greet and interact with guests, answer questions and resolve guest issues. You will:
   
   Interact with guests while implementing park safety guidelines
   
   Monitor all park waterways and respond to guests in distress
   
   Maintain the cleanliness of your area
   
   Participate in American Red Cross and SeaWorld audit processes
   
   Attend in-service meetings and cross-train to work in other park areas
   
   Practice safe work habits, including the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
   
   What it takes to succeed:
   
   You must be at least 18 years of age
   
   You will need to successfully complete the Deep Guard or Shallow Guard swim test, including 100-300 yd. continuous swim, underwater object retrieval, water tread, etc.
   
   You must successfully pass the company provided and paid American Red Cross certification trainings to include CPR and AED
   
   You must pass regular swim tests and in-service/safety audits
   
   You must be comfortable with heights and diving into water
   
   Strong English language communication skills
   
   You must be able to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
   
   The perks of the position:
   
   As part of the SeaWorld family, you'll enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment and great teammates, as well as:
   
   FREE park admission
   
   Discounted park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
   
   Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
   
   Join the team!
   
   If you're looking for the opportunity to make the most of your abilities in a one-of-a-kind setting with an entertainment industry leader, we're looking for you!
   
   SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is committed to the health and safety of our guests and team members. We have worked diligently with state and local health officials, outside consultants and attraction industry leaders to enhance our already strict health, safety and cleanliness standards. These protocols and guidelines will be modified based on evolving industry standards and methodologies, public health and governmental directives, and advancing scientific knowledge on the transmissibility of COVID-19.
   
   More Information
   
   Park Name:
   
   Aquatica Orlando
   
   Location:
   
   Orlando, FL
   
   Status:
   
   Part Time
   
   Pay Rate:
   
   $13.25 - $15.25 per hour
   
   Relocation Provided:
   
   No

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find ocean lifeguard specialists for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your ocean lifeguard specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit ocean lifeguard specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with ocean lifeguard specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new ocean lifeguard specialist

   Once you've decided on a perfect ocean lifeguard specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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