Applications for seasonal lifeguard positions with the City of Cape Town opened on Monday (26 May).
Assessments will take place in July and August, and the Recreation and Parks Department is availing timeslots at its swimming pools for prospective candidates to do some pre-assessment training.
Applicants have to meet set criteria, including lifeguarding and First Aid qualifications, criminal and substance use checks, an interview – where applicable – and they have to successfully complete a swim and rescue test.
There are four categories of lifeguards – beach lifeguard, senior beach lifeguard, swimming pool lifeguard, and senior swimming pool lifeguard – who work seasonally. Potential candidates will be required to undergo competency testing during the selection process.
Beach lifeguard candidates have to complete a 400 m swimming pool swim in under eight minutes, as well as a 200 m beach run, a 300 m sea swim, and a 200 m beach run in under 10 minutes.
Candidates trying out for swimming pool positions have to swim 100 m in under two minutes.
“Our lifeguards are the first line of defence in our drowning prevention efforts over the summer season, when thousands of people flock to our facilities. And, while the season ended just recently, work is already under way in preparation for the next.”
Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health.
“I want to encourage everyone with previous experience, the necessary qualifications and a passion for public safety to submit their applications as soon as possible. This year, we are allocating training slots at our indoor swimming pools and Sea Point pool, so please make use of the opportunity to work with our senior lifeguards and fine-tune those skills for the critical swim and rescue tests.”
Training slots will be available during selected periods or days at the following swimming pools: Strand, Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Sea Point.
All lifeguard candidates entering the swimming pools for training purposes must have their names on the list provided by the respective lifesaving club, NSRI base and/or must have a club or base identification card.
Applicants are advised of the following:
• Only online applications will be accepted.
• Candidates are required to register for e-recruitment on the City’s website and complete the application form before Monday 9 June.
Applicants who have worked in the last season (2024-’25), need not re-apply provided they have completed the Notice of Intention to Work forms, but are advised to contact their nearest area office for any enquiries.
More information on the recruitment process and requirements can be found online on the City’s website at www.capetown.gov.za.
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