DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Volusia County Beach Safety is expecting many people to hit the county’s many beaches. That’s why starting now, Beach Safety is looking to hire more lifeguards so they can be fully staffed for the summer months. 

What You Need To Know

  • Volusia County Beach Safety is looking to hire around 130 seasonal lifeguards 
  • They want to ensure their towers are fully staffed in time for the summer months
  • If you're interested in becoming a lifeguard, applicants must be at least 16 on or before June 1

Officials are looking to fill around 130 seasonal lifeguard positions this season.

Beach Safety reports that’s the number of lifeguards that are needed to make sure their towers are staffed as needed.

If they don’t reach the 130 number, they turn to something called the tower priority list.

“There’s a 30-foot-long piece of paper we roll out for the entire year and it shows when we have rescues in front of what towers and when they get busy. If anyone’s curious as to why we open certain towers opposed to others, it’s based on historical data,” said A.J. Miller, deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety.

Miller says no detail gets overlooked. 

“Staffing towers is of high importance to Beach Safety," Miller said. "In the event we do not have enough staff, we will and do authorize overtime. We will start at the top of the priority list and work down until all available staff is utilized. It is important to remember that we also have a staff of full-time lifeguard EMTs on roving patrols throughout the beach,” Miller said.

Even during holidays, Volusia County Beach Safety has a plan.

“In the summer, during holidays and major weekends, we have a mandatory work list used to fill positions. We also do not put a limit on the amount of staff we will work during peak season,” Miller said.

If you’re interested in becoming a lifeguard and getting in the water, Volusia County Beach Safety is hosting two tryouts in March. 

  • Saturday, March 8 - Ormond YMCA 8-11 a.m.
  • Saturday, March 15 - Port Orange YMCA 8-11 a.m.

In order to become a lifeguard in Volusia County, applicants must meet these requirements.

  • Applicants must be at least 16 on or before June 1
  • Swim 500 meters freestyle in under 10 minutes
  • Swim 50 yards freestyle in under 30 seconds
  • Run a half mile in under 3 minutes, 15 seconds

For more information about how to apply to be a lifeguard, visit this link.