Description
Monitor beaches, harbors, and nearshore waters to protect the public, enforce marine safety rules, and respond to emergencies.
- • Rescue distressed swimmers, boaters, or surfers using water rescue techniques and equipment.
- • Contact or coordinate with emergency medical services, Coast Guard, or marine law enforcement during serious incidents.
- • Patrol beaches, piers, and nearshore waters by foot, ATV, boat, or from observation towers.
- • Assess injured persons and administer first aid or CPR using issued medical supplies.
- • Educate the public on rip currents, surf conditions, and safe boating or swimming practices.
- • Issue warnings or citations for hazardous conditions, restricted areas, or unlawful behavior.
- • Maintain incident reports, weather and surf logs, and treatment records.
- • Inspect rescue craft, personal protective equipment, buoys, and communications gear for safety and readiness.
- • Assist with recruiting, training, and supervising seasonal lifeguards or volunteers.
- • Inspect beaches, piers, and launch areas for hazards, signage, and cleanliness.
- • Monitor activities with binoculars and surveillance systems to detect hazards or rule violations.
- • Assist the public with safe use of life jackets, vessels, docks, and launch ramps.
- • Conduct or support dive, sonar, or underwater search and recovery operations when qualified.
- • Lead public safety demonstrations, drills, and community outreach events.
- • Post and maintain beach flags, signage, and advisories for surf, weather, and water quality.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
