Helderbergers interested in a seasonal lifeguard position at a municipal pool or beach have until Tuesday 18 June to get their applications in and are urged to apply before the closing date.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department recruits hundreds of seasonal lifeguards each year as part of its summer readiness plans, when thousands of people visit municipal pools and beaches.
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.
In addition to meeting all the set criteria, candidates are also required to pass a compulsory swim and rescue test and demonstrate first aid skills.
The assessment for beach lifeguards requires candidates to complete a 400-metre swimming pool swim in under eight minutes, a 300-metre sea swim, a 200-metre beach run in under 10 minutes, while the assessment for pool lifeguards requires candidates to swim 100 metres in under two minutes.
Applicants must also have a clean criminal record, with no pending charges and be drug-free. “Our lifeguards are the first line of defence in our drowning-prevention strategy and wearing the uniform comes with great responsibility,” Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health explained. “Every year we draw hundreds of hopefuls, and I have no doubt this year will see similar interest.
“I want to encourage applicants to check the requirements carefully to ensure they are eligible, but also to make sure their applications are completed in full, with all the supporting documentation, submitted as soon as possible.”
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 the deadline.
- Applicants who have worked in the last season (2023/2024), need not re-apply but are requested to contact their nearest area office.
- More information on the recruitment process and requirements is available at https://bit.ly/3XdKKUF
