Under the general supervision of a fire captain, fire lieutenant, or ocean rescue supervisor, the ocean rescue swimmer performs entry-level protective service work, guarding patrons' safety at assigned coverage areas and providing information about beach and ocean conditions.

The ocean rescue swimmer protects life and property by performing mitigation activities during emergency situations, including ocean rescues, distressed swimmers, weather emergencies, medical emergencies, and other circumstances. When necessary, the ocean rescue swimmer drives and operates fire department vehicles and prepares vehicles for daily operations. Other duties include performing maintenance of vehicles and equipment, daily physical fitness training, promoting emergency prevention and public education, and representing the Town of Surf City Fire Department to the public at various events. The ocean rescue swimmer must also work on continuing education and maintaining physical and knowledge-based skills. This seasonal, non-exempt position requires working up to 20-30 hours during the week, weekends, holidays, and/or nights.
These duties and responsibilities are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the Town. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists in enforcing the rules and regulations governing the conduct of beach patrons to prevent unsafe practices and accidents.
• Operates ATV and watercraft in a patrol and rescue response mode.
• Performs ocean rescue activities when called upon.
• Stays alert to detect potentially hazardous conditions and patrons in distress.
• Rescues and renders appropriate first aid procedures to beach patrons as necessary.
• Assists in performing administrative duties, including keeping daily records of patrons assisted, patrons rescued, first aid provided, weather conditions, and ocean conditions.
• Assists in maintaining the general appearance and cleanliness of the assigned beach area.
• Responsible for answering questions from beach patrons, when possible, without being distracted from ocean rescue duties.
• Participates in daily in-service training.
• Maintains and monitors assigned equipment and supplies.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
No formal training or experience is required. Must be 16 years of age.

Must be able to successfully complete the performance test, which includes swimming 500 meters in an ocean environment and a physical agility test, in accordance with the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Guidelines. Must be able to complete the Ocean Rescue Training Academy successfully.

Must successfully complete and meet the guidelines for a clear criminal background, drug screening, and NC SBI fingerprinting.

Licenses and Professional Certifications

• NC Driver’s License
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification (preferred)
• CPR certification (or ability to obtain by the end of Ocean Rescue Training Academy)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities may apply to individual positions.)

• Some knowledge of using personal computers, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, or other similar software applications.
• Ability to learn water safety, rescue, and basic first aid techniques.
• Ability to learn the rules and regulations for assigned ocean swimming areas.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in enforcing rules firmly and tactfully.
• Ability to learn to complete daily electronic reports accurately.
• Ability to remain alert for long periods of time.
• Ability to remain calm during stressful situations.
• Ability to identify and prevent dangerous situations or emergencies and take effective and appropriate action.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers and beach patrons.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise effective crowd control.
• Ability to represent the Town professionally and respectfully while interacting with a diverse set of individuals within the workplace and the community.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a beach environment and involves prolonged exposure to salt air, wind, rain, extreme sun, lightning, other inclement weather, and insects. It also involves exposure to potentially stressful situations. The employee is also subject to inside environmental conditions, including the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. In addition, the employee must effectively deal with personal danger, including exposure to hazardous ocean conditions, dangerous animals, hazards of emergency driving, and natural and man-made disasters.

Physical Requirements

This is an emergency services first responder position requiring moments of intense physical activity. A portion of work is performed within an office environment, behind a desk, and frequently includes the operation of a computer. The employee must read, write, and interact with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. The employee may move within the facility to access file cabinets, documents, office machinery, and other equipment. Travel is often required to outside sites to perform the duties described above and attend meetings, training, events, and other business activities. Work also requires swimming, running, walking, standing, bending, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, and/or moving equipment and injured/deceased persons, pushing and pulling various objects, climbing stairs and ladders, performing lifesaving and rescue procedures, and operating assigned equipment including motor vehicles.