Path 1: 

To attend our Encinitas Open Water Lifeguard Academy, you must complete the application and selection process. 

Applications must be submitted online (prior to the tryout date), along with copies of all certifications at the City of Encinitas Employment Opportunities. Application must be accepted, and you will receive and email with approval, indicating opportunity for tryout.  

Tryout: 

- 550-yard ocean swim in under 10 minutes. 

-250-yard run, 250-yard swim, and 250-yard run in under 8 minutes. 

-Applicants will be given an interview time slot after completing the skills portion of the tryout. 

-Successful completion will result in invitation to lifeguard academy to begin in April. 

Tryout Dates: 

Time: 9:00 AM 
Location: 400 W C Street, (Moonlight Beach) Encinitas, California 92024 
Job Announcement: Encinitas Lifeguard Trainee 

The 2025 Encinitas Lifeguard Academy will be held Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday March 29^th and ending Saturday May 11^th (no session Sunday May 12^th). (Weather and beach conditions permitting, no holiday weekends, schedule changes may be made) 

Provided training takes place through our In-House Ocean Lifeguard Academy and American Red Cross Emergency Red Cross courses. The trainee is an unpaid volunteer position, and candidates will be promoted to a paid Lifeguard I upon successful completion of the academy courses. All training is provided and associated costs are covered by the city. 

Education & Experience

High school graduation, State of California accredited equivalency or G.E.D. Any combination of training and experience could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.

Application & Selection Procedure

Applications must be submitted online, along with copies of all certifications at City of Encinitas Employment Opportunities. Applicants must fill out the application entirely and submit qualification documents to move on to the tryout and interview for either position.

Tryout & Interview

No walkups will be considered. Job application opening begins October 2024 for Trainee position and will open Spring for Lifeguard I/II. 

Encinitas Lifeguard Salary Ranges

All rookie lifeguards begin at $18.32.  Pay increases are based on the number of hours worked for the Division.

• Lifeguard I: $18.32 - $23.39
• Lifeguard II: $20.66 - $26.37
• Lifeguard III: $23.65 - $31.30

Additional Opportunities

Other opportunities are to enroll in the following Miramar College courses:

1. LFGD 101 Intro to Open Water Lifeguarding (Lifeguard Academy) (or come from an approved USLA agency). Dates for this course: Multiple Dates - see flyer below.
2. LFGD 101A Emergency Medical Care of the Sick and Injured. (Red Cross E.M.R. includes BLS CPR). NOTE: If an applicant is already an E.M.T. (possess a San Diego County Card) and C.P.R. for a Professional Rescuer/Healthcare Provider, you do not need this course. Dates for this course: Multiple Dates - see flyer below.

Intro to Open Water Lifeguarding | San Diego Miramar College

Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard Degree | San Diego Miramar College