Beach Lifeguard

County Kerry has a population of approximately 155,000 people across 4,700 square kilometres. Kerry County Council is responsible for delivering the full range of local government services. The Council seeks to enhance the county’s attractiveness for investment, work, and living, and leads the strategic vision for the area. Services provided include housing, planning, development, environmental management, roads and traffic, leisure, and community services. The Council also plays a central role in economic and community development and works with state, public, and private partners to deliver infrastructure and shared services.

The 2026 annual revenue budget is approximately €248 million, with proposed capital expenditure of around €259 million. Kerry County Council has thirty-three elected Councillors and employs over 1,400 staff, covering five Municipal Districts: Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Kenmare, and Castleisland - Corca Dhuibhne. The Council provides services to residents and visitors, and County Kerry was awarded 15 Blue Flags for the 2025 bathing season, with all flagged beaches fully lifeguarded on weekends and over 40 lifeguards on duty during the official season.

CANDIDATE CRITERIA

Character: Candidates must be of good character.

Health: Candidates must be in a state of health indicating a reasonable prospect of ability to provide regular and efficient service. A pre-appointment medical examination at the candidate’s expense is required.

Citizenship: Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: a) An EEA citizen (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or b) A UK citizen, or c) A Swiss citizen under the EU-Switzerland agreement on free movement, or d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen with a Stamp 4 visa, or e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or eligible family member with a Stamp 4 visa, or f) A non-EEA parent of a dependent child who is an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen with a Stamp 4 visa.

• Candidates must be at least 17 years old on 1 June 2026.

• Candidates must hold the National Beach Lifeguard Award from Water Safety Ireland, or equivalent recognized by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS).

• Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in resuscitation, swimming, and rescue techniques through oral and practical tests. Practical testing in Basic Life Support (BLS), swimming, lifesaving techniques, and theory will be conducted by Water Safety Ireland examiners.

Appointments will be made on merit from tests and interviews. Candidates with up-to-date Beach Lifeguard certification may receive additional marks.

Employment Details:

• Official bathing season: 1 June – 15 September 2026.

• Remuneration: €729.41 per 41-hour week.

• Working hours: 6 days per week (including weekends and Public Holidays). Monday–Friday 12:00–19:00; Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays 11:00–19:00.

• Employment is full-time, temporary, and pensionable for the 2026 summer season only.

• Garda Vetting: Submission of forms required; candidates under 18 must provide a parent/guardian consent form.

• Work locations: Ballinskelligs, Ballybunion, Ballyheigue, Banna, Maharees, Derrynane, Fenit, Inch, Kells, Rossbeigh, Ventry, White Strand Caherciveen. Assignment and transfers between beaches are at the Council’s discretion.

• Duties as assigned by Kerry County Council’s nominated Water Safety Development Officer, consistent with the Beach Lifeguard role.

General Information:

• Kerry County Council will not cover candidate expenses, including travel. Candidates should disclose any special requirements for assessments.

• Employment offers are subject to verification of application information, pre-employment medical checks, references, and Garda Vetting.

• Providing false or misleading information, or attempting to influence the selection process, will result in disqualification, withdrawal of employment offers, or dismissal.