Cape Town: Seasonal lifeguard positions applications are open now beginning today, May 26, 2025. The Assessments will take place in July and August as the Recreation and Parks Department is availing timeslots at its swimming pools for prospective candidates to do some pre-assessment training.
Reportedly, the applicants for the seasonal lifeguard positions 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 basically four categories of lifeguards that consists of beach lifeguard, senior lifeguard, swimming pool lifeguard and senior swimming pool lifeguard who work seasonally. Potential candidates will undergo competency testing during the whole selection process.
Moreover, the beach lifeguard candidates have to complete a 400-meter swimming pool swim in under eight minutes, as well as a 200-meter beach run, with 300-meter sea swim, 200-meter beach run in 10 minutes.
The candidates are trying out mainly for swimming pool positions, as they have to swim 100-meters in under two minutes.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the lifeguards are the first line of defence in the drowning prevention efforts over the summer season when thousands of people flocked to the facilities.
The season has ended now, yet the work is underway in preparation for the next. She encouraged everyone with previous experience, considering the necessary qualifications and a passion for public safety to submit their applications as soon as possible.
The year allocated training slots at the indoor swimming pools and Sea Point pool. This lets them use opportunities to work with the senior lifeguards and fine-tune those skills for the critical swim and rescue test.
Notably, training slots will be available during the selected periods or days at the following swimming pools such as Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat, Strand and Sea Point.
All lifeguard candidates will enter the swimming pool for training purposes and must have their names on the list provided by the respective Lifesaving Club or NSRI Base or must have a Club or Base identification card.