Brevard County Ocean Rescue

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. Currently there are 5 full time protected areas and 20 seasonal protected areas at various beach front parks. 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 100 seasonal lifeguards, 14 full- time lifeguards and 3 full-time supervisors. Brevard County operates a year-round lifeguard tower coverage at five ocean beach locations, and 20 seasonal lifeguard tower locations in Brevard County. The service falls under the direction of Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher. The Lifeguard towers are located in cities of Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne, Satellite Beach and Cape Canaveral.

2 lifeguards running in from ocean

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.

Lifeguard Season

Full time locations (5 towers)
(10 AM to 5 PM)

  • Cocoa Beach Pier
  • Shepard Park - Cocoa Beach
  • Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach
  • Minuteman Cswy - Cocoa Beach
  • Paradise/Futch Park - N Indialantic

Seasonal locations (20 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 weekend only again until Labor Day)

  • Cheri Down Park – Cape Canaveral - 1 tower
  • Cocoa Beach Pier – Cocoa Beach - 1 towers
  • Shepard Park - Cocoa Beach - 2 towers
  • Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach - 2 towers
  • Tulip Avenue - Cocoa Beach – 1 tower
  • Minuteman Cswy - Cocoa Beach  - 2 towers
  • 16th Street (Murkshe Park) - Cocoa Beach – 1 tower
  • Pelican Park - Satellite Beach - 1 tower
  • Paradise/Futch Park - N Indialantic - 2 towers
  • Nance Park/Boardwalk - Indialantic - 3 towers
  • Ocean Avenue - Melbourne Beach - 1 tower
  • Spessard Holland Park (North) S Melbourne Beach - 2 towers
  • Spessard Holland Park (South) S Melbourne Beach- 1 tower

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

2021 Lifeguard Tryouts

To all that are interested in trying out to become a lifeguard for our 2021 season the first step is to apply at the link below. Once you have done so, we currently have scheduled November 21st and 28th as our next try out dates. You must preregister and apply in advance by emailing FR_ORAdmin@brevardfl.gov with your name, phone number, and date you would like to try out. We will also be going by first come first serve. Our goal is to fill 40 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 a email after the try outs with your next steps (background, fingerprints, drug screening).

You must be able to attend all of the dates listed below. CPR, EMR, and USLA Training is all paid training. (Dates subject to change due to ocean conditions)

January 16th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st

February 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st

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 $10.81/hour.