Daytona Beach, FL - Beach season is always in view in Volusia County and Captain Tammy Malphurs of Volusia County Beach Safety Rescue says there's no better summer job than being a lifeguard.
Those that would qualify to be hired have to meet some physical requirements. Malphurs said applicants must be 16 by June 1. They also need to be able to swim 500 meters freestyle in under ten minutes, a 50 yard swim in under 30 seconds and be able to run a half mile in under three minutes and 15 seconds.
Lifeguard recruitment begins well before the summer holiday season according to Malphurs because on any given weekend day, they need some 100 lifeguards to over 47 miles of beach.
2019 tryout dates are all on Saturdays. The first is on Feb. 23 at Ormond Beach YMCA from 8 to 11 a.m. and Cypress Aquatic Center from noon to 3 p.m. Tryouts will continue on Mar. 2, 9 and 16. Those that are hired will have time in the water and in a classroom for one full week and three weekends.
Malphurs said the starting pay is good, $11.90 per hour. There's also an incentive program, $500, for those meeting criteria like working weekends and/or holidays during their first year. You can get more information on how to apply online at volusia.org/beaches or call 386-239-6414.
