Sarasota County lifeguard service was originated over fourty years ago as a volunteer organization. It was developed after communications with the Australian National Surf Association, which provided beginning guidelines for the county's Lifeguard service. Since then, a modern version of the Lifeguard service has evolved.
Skilled professional members are now responsible for public safety at six beaches spread over a 36-mile area of the Gulf Coast. From north to south these beaches are: Lido Beach, Siesta Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty, Venice Beach and Manasota Beach.
The lifeguard service has had changes in the past few years that has had a positive effect on the role of the Lifeguard and the public they serve.
- In 1990, the County Lifeguard service increased with the merger of the city of Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department and the county Parks and recreation Department.
- In 1996, the County Lifeguard service became the first Lifeguard agency on Florida's West Coast to be certified by the
United States Lifesaving Association.
In March 2000, the lifeguard agency was transferred from the Parks and Recreation Department to the Fire Department.Powerpoint Presentation
These changes have also increased the training of the lifeguards while at always maintaining the "Preventive Lifeguarding" stance - which is seeing the event happen before it happens. This stance has led to the fact that Sarasota County Beach Lifeguards has some of the safest beaches in the state of Florida.
During these years the role of the professional lifeguard has greatly expanded. The lifeguard staff are now involved in activities that are usually associated with emergency medical technicians, police officers, as well as water rescue specialists. These changes have also had an effect on the training and qualifications of the Lifeguard staff, including passing biannual qualification testing and becoming First responder certified.
Another role of the Beach Lifeguards is to demonstrate to the public that a Lifeguard has a position of special trust, and will adhere to a standard of conduct acceptable for professional standing in the community.
Beach Lifeguard: Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical skills test and oral interview. Once hired, the applicant will be trained on a 40 hour United States Lifesaving Association approved lifeguard Training program then shadow a Senior Lifeguard for another 40 hours. The applicant will also be certified as a First Responder. The main function of the Beach lifeguard is to provide public safety by monitoring swimming and beach activities and providing medical attention to those in need. The beach lifeguard must also pass each component of the biannual qualification test. Presently there are 22 Beach Lifeguards on staff.
Senior Beach Lifeguard: A Senior lifeguard must have 4000 hours of lifeguarding experience with Sarasota County. The Senior Lifeguard must also pass all components of the biannual qualification test. The Senior Lifeguards are also instructors in the various courses associated with Beach Lifeguarding. The main function of the Senior Lifeguards is to provide day - to - day supervision of Beach Lifeguards assigned at a beach facility. There are seven Senior lifeguards on staff.
Beach Lifeguard Manager: The Lifeguard Manager is responsible for performing administrative, supervisory and professional work in the operation and maintenance of all County operated beaches. There is one Lifeguard Manager on staff.
Pre-employment and Biannual Qualification Testing:
The following items are components of the pre-employment and biannual physical skills test. All applicants and current staff are expected to pass each component.
1/2 mile run under four minutes
500 meter pool swim under ten minutes
200 yard run / 50 yard swim rescue under four minutes
Paddleboard rescue under four minutes
Spinal Injury review
First Aid review Adult, Child and Infant CPR review |