Lifeguards & Aquatic Safety
Thousands of people visit our water-based facilities each year, and our staff is committed to the safety of our patrons through extensive education, training, and experience. Recruitment of lifeguard and aquatic safety staff begins in December. Search for available opportunities.
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The county parks began staffing lifeguarded areas in 1976 on the beaches of Kiawah Beachwalker Park. We currently employ about 300 lifeguards working at 3 water parks and 1 aquatic center and about 75 lifeguards at 3 beach parks and the Folly Beach Pier.
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Before each summer season, our agency serves as a StarGuard Elite training center, providing comprehensive instruction in the StarGuard Elite curriculum for all lifeguards. Our full-time staff are certified Emergency Medical Responders and StarGuard Elite Instructors. Waterpark lifeguards are certified by StarGuard Elite, through the StarGuard Elite Lifeguard Training.
Employee Benefits
- Paid uniform
- Paid training
- Paid lifeguard, first aid, and CPR certifications (approx. $500 value)
Waterpark Lifeguard Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years-old
- Must complete an interview with management staff
- Complete the StarGuard Elite lifeguard class
- Participate in in-service training throughout the season
Shallow-Water Requirements
- Swim 100 yards without stopping (front crawl or breast stroke)
- Retrieve a 10-lb. dive brick from four feet of water and bring it to the pool deck
Deep-Water Requirements (Whirlin’ Waters guards)
- Swim 200 yards without stopping in 5 minutes or less (front crawl or breast stroke)
- Tread water for 2 minutes without the use of arms
- Retrieve a 10-lb. dive brick from 6 feet of water, and bring it to the pool deck
In-Service Training
Lifeguards are required to complete eight hours of in-service training every month to include, but not limited to, calisthenics, CPR, emergency procedures, first aid, drowning recognition, severe weather, and spinal management.
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Charleston County Parks has been an Advanced Certified Lifeguard Agency with the United States Lifesaving Association since 1994, and each Ocean Rescue Lifeguard is certified to the level of a South Carolina Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Responder or higher.
Employee Benefits
- Paid uniform
- Paid training
- Paid Ocean Rescue lifeguard, Emergency Medical Responder and CPR certifications
- Approx. $2,500 Value per employee
Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Requirements
- Must be 16 years-old
- Must complete an interview with management staff
- Must complete a physical fitness test to include, but not limited to:
- 500 meters (550 yards) swim test in nine minutes (pool) or 10 minutes (open water)
- One-mile run in 7:45 (track) or eight minutes (beach)
- Must pass a drug test
- Must complete all scheduled pre-season trainings, including Rookie School for first-year Ocean Rescue Lifeguards and Surf School for all Ocean Rescue Lifeguards
- Must submit a completed CCPRC Physician's Certificate (PDF) prior to attending lifeguard training
Minimum Weekly Training Requirements
Minimum weekly training requirements include both medical scenarios and physical fitness activities.
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The Jr. Lifeguard Program is designed for those with proficient swimming skills to become familiar with the aquatic environment, its hazards, and the demands of the job of a lifeguard. Participants will be actively involved with Charleston County Parks' beach and waterpark lifeguards to learn the basics of aquatic rescue. Lessons and activities include environmental awareness, first-aid, ocean-proofing, physical training, rescue equipment, teamwork, and waterpark visits.
Registration for Jr. Lifeguard opens in February.