Beach Lifeguards

1. CHARACTER

Each Candidate must be of good character.

2. AGE

Candidates must be 17 years of age or over by 31st May 2026.

3. HEALTH

Each Candidate must be of good health and strong physique.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates must:

➢ Hold the Beach Lifeguard Award / Qualification of the Irish Water Safety Association or Royal Lifesaving Society (Ireland) or equivalent as recognised by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS), no later than the 2026 swim test date, TBC.

➢ The Award must not be more than TWO years old and must be valid for the entire bathing season.

➢ Proof of having the above qualifications should be included with the completed application form.

➢ Have a knowledge of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

➢ Hold a valid work permit if required.*

* All non-EU / EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that they have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit, you must immediately advise Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

OTHER DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES ARE AS FOLLOWS

➢ An understanding of the local effects on the beaches they guard, for example types of rip currents, undertow, over falls, surf, etc.

➢ A good appreciation of the many beach pursuits enjoyed by the public, for example surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, etc.

All candidates successful at interview will be required to undergo a practical test in Basic Life Support (BLS), Swimming Ability, Lifesaving Techniques and a Theory Test conducted by a competent Examiner or Examiners nominated by Irish Water Safety.

5. WAGE RATE

Rate of Pay – Junior Lifeguards

€15.24 per hour – minimum of 32 hours per week

€17.15 per day meal / travel allowance for each day worked

Rate of Pay – Senior Lifeguards

€18.18 per hour – minimum of 32 hours per week

€20.09 per day meal / travel allowance for each day worked

In addition to the hourly rates outlined above, weekend daily differentials are payable as follows:

• Where a person’s free day falls on a Sunday and they work the Saturday of the same weekend, the Saturday daily differential rate is €16.74.

• Where a person’s free day falls on a Saturday and they work the Sunday of the same weekend, the Sunday daily differential rate is €22.64.

• Where a person’s free days both fall on days other than Saturday and Sunday, the working Saturday and Sunday daily differential rate is €30.27.

Double time is paid in respect of hours worked on Bank Holidays.

6. DUTIES OF THE POST

(a) All rostered lifeguards will arrive 10 minutes prior to opening times and set out the bathing area with appropriate flags and remain 10 minutes after closing time to take down flags and prepare for the next shift. All lifeguards will patrol on foot and observe through binoculars that section of beach, giving particular attention to places where persons are bathing.

(b) Going immediately to the assistance of persons in difficulties in the water and rendering to such persons the necessary attention.

(c) Keeping in good condition all lifeguard stations, lifesaving equipment and other apparatus provided by the County Council.

(d) Warning persons bathing of possible dangers.

(e) Collecting and disposing of broken glass, litter, etc. from the foreshore.

(f) They may be required to use the Council’s mobile phones.

(g) The use of a personal mobile phone, laptop, tablet or other distractions is strictly forbidden while lifeguards are on duty.

(h) While on duty, they will be required to wear uniform at all times, which will be provided by the Council.

(i) This list is not exhaustive and further duties may be given by management as deemed necessary.

7. ANNUAL LEAVE

Your Annual Leave entitlement will be calculated at the conclusion of your fixed term contract and you will be remunerated for same at the end of your contract.

8. GARDA VETTING AND PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT

• All applicants will be subject to Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

• If the applicant is under 18 years of age, Parent or Guardian consent will be required.

Lifeguards will be employed during the Bathing Season (June to September approximately). The employment is strictly temporary, terminable on one week’s notice on either side. Suitable uniforms will be provided and must be returned to the County Council on termination of employment.