Brevard County Ocean Rescue

Ocean Rescue lifeguard driving a jet ski in the ocean in Cocoa Beach.

The Brevard County Ocean Rescue Division provides for the safe swimming and beach protection to all Brevard County residents, visitors and tourists in designated areas of unincorporated Brevard County. All Ocean Lifeguards are United States Lifesaving Association certified with a minimum of First Responder training. The scope of responsibility for the lifeguards include; accident and drowning prevention, public education, citizen assist, search and recovery of lost children, basic life support, and swimmer rescues. The Ocean Lifeguard program is year-round consisting of approximately 90 part-time lifeguards, 26 full-time lifeguards and 3 full-time supervisors. The service falls under the direction of Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher. The Lifeguard towers are located throughout north and south Brevard County beaches.

Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher with an American flag in the background.
Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher
Sam Swor with an American flag in the background.
Assistant Chief of Ocean Rescue, Sam Swor
...
Ocean Rescue Supervisor, Stephen Fender

Ocean Rescue Goal Priorities

  • To increase the operational readiness and effectiveness of county lifeguard personnel through additional job training and quality reviews.
  • To maximize the use of beach services and resources to enhance both the level and quality of service that would meet the prudent citizen's expectations.
  • To foster inter-agency communication, training, and support with all related agencies.
  • To educate the public to the potential hazards associated with aquatic activities through active and passive community based public education programs.
An Ocean Rescue lifeguard driving all-terrain vehicle patrolling the beach in Cocoa Beach.
Two Ocean Rescue lifeguards riding on a jet ski in the ocean in Cocoa Beach.
Ocean Rescue tryouts.

Lifeguard Towers

Full Time Towers

Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Cocoa Beach Pier
  • Shepard Park - Cocoa Beach
  • Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach
  • Minutemen Causeway - Cocoa Beach
  • Nance Park (5th Avenue) - Indialantic
  • Paradise/Futch Park - North Indialantic
  • North Spessard Holland Park - Melbourne Beach

* Port Canaveral provides year-round lifeguard service at Jetty Park.

Check the Florida Division of Emergency Management Rip Current Map  before heading to the beach.

Seasonal Towers

Additional towers operate seasonally starting the last week of May, open only on weekends until Memorial Day, after which time lifeguards are on duty every day until the first week of August. Then, the seasonal towers operate weekends only again until Labor Day. Hours on days of operation are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Lifeguard Tryouts - Join the Team

To all that are interested in trying out to become a lifeguard for our team the first step is to apply at the link below. You must preregister and apply in advance by emailing Brevard County Ocean Rescue  with your name, phone number, and we will get back to you with our earliest try out date. We will also be going by first come first serve. Our goal is to fill 30 positions so please forward this to anyone interested as this job makes long lasting friends and is an experience that can guide your future.

Apply to be a lifeguard 

For those that pass and move on with the hiring process you will receive an email after the try outs with your next steps (background, fingerprints, drug screening). Must be able to attend all training. CPR, EMR, and USLA Training is all paid training. Training dates are typically on weekends to accommodate school schedules.

Emergency Medical Responder Training: 40 Hours

Lifeguard Academy: 40 Hours

The Ocean Rescue team on the beach by one of their towers in Cocoa Beach.

Requirements:

While no lifeguarding experience is necessary, candidates must be over the age of 16 on the first day of the academy, have reliable transportation, and possess strong swimming skills.

Candidates will be required to swim 500 yards (20 lengths of the pool) in less than 10 minutes, complete a 1-mile run in under 10 minutes and perform a physical agility test which includes push-ups. Advanced registration is required, by emailing Brevard County Ocean Rescue  . Applicants are reminded that testing will begin promptly and anyone arriving after testing begins will not be permitted to try out.

All candidates must bring a government ID, Social Security card, appropriate swim attire, a towel, and running shoes. If selected, completion of the hiring process is dependent on the candidate's ability to pass a background test and successful completion of Ocean Rescue's paid training academy. The starting pay for ocean lifeguards is $15.75/hour.