OC Beach Patrol begins lifeguard testing at SU

Want to be an Ocean City lifeguard this summer. Here’s your chance.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol  will hold its first off-site pre-employment physical skills evaluation on Sunday, Feb. 12, at Maggs Gym at Salisbury University to fill openings in the 2017 employment roster.

There are no pre-certification requirements and experience in ocean rescue is not necessary to apply.

Registration for the test begins at 10 a.m.; however, applicants should prepare for orientation and a full day of testing beginning shortly after registration.

Candidates will be required to swim 500m, run 400m, perform simulated swimming rescues and demonstrate the capacity to run fast in timed sprint races.

All water related activities will take place in an indoor pool with all running activities outside.

Although pre-registration is not required, candidates are encouraged to pre-register at www.ococean.com/ocbp.

The Beach Patrol requires acceptable proof of age of all candidates, which can be a driver’s license, birth certificate or U.S. passport.

Applicants must be 17 years old or older prior to June 26, 2017, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian during the testing.

Following the physical skills evaluation, those meeting qualifying standards are eligible for appointment to the Beach Patrol’s Surf Rescue Academy (SRA), which is being conducted in Ocean City in May or June of 2017.

The academy is eight days long and provides all training and certifications required to be a Surf Rescue Technician while earning $13.29 per hour, with an increased rate of $14.65 after a three week probation period.

Successful candidates who are available for the May academy will earn approximately four additional weeks of paid work (almost $3,000.00) compared to candidates who attend the June SRA.

For additional information, including future testing dates, contact the Ocean City Beach Patrol at 410-289-7556 or visit www.oceancitymd.gov/ocbp.