As the weather starts to get warmer, more Capetonians will be flocking to beaches and swimming pools to cool down. The assistance of qualified lifeguards will therefore be needed to ensure a safe recreational environment.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department started with candidate assessments for seasonal lifeguard vacancies last month as approximately 600 seasonal lifeguard positions needed to be filled.
The Department has now opened a second round of applications for lifeguard recruitment to fill 300 remaining vacancies for both swimming pool and beach lifeguards. The criteria for becoming a lifeguard is carefully considered and only candidates who make it through all levels of assessment are deemed qualified and capable to safeguard lives on the City’s beaches and at swimming pools.
More than 1 000 applications were received but many didn’t make the cut due to not having the minimum requirements listed in the job description, incomplete applications on e-recruitment and failure to complete fitness and technical competency practical assessments, among other requirements.
Lifeguard hopefuls can still apply during the second round of applications, which opened on Wednesday, September 15 2021 and will close on September 27 2021.
All candidates are expected to pass the physical assessment where their capabilities and fitness level must be up to standard. Pool lifeguards are required to swim 100 metres in under two minutes, while beach lifeguards are tested to swim 400 metres in under eight minutes.
The Recreation and Parks Department encourages candidates from all areas to apply as there is a shortfall of placements in local areas outside of popular beaches and tourist destinations.
Those who wish to apply should visit www.capetown.gov.za/lifeguards and register on e-recruitment to complete the application form online. Cell phones are not compatible to complete the application online and a computer should be used.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien said: “We would like to encourage and invite residents who have the necessary skills to apply and become a City lifeguard. Lifeguards have an important role in safeguarding our beautiful beaches and swimming pools and to assist and rescue swimmers in distress.”
“Lifeguards also have an important educational role by informing beachgoers about safe swimming practices and the dangers of rip currents. Many residents will visit the beaches and swimming pools in summer and we need the assistance of qualified lifeguards to ensure a safe recreational environment,” Councillor Badroodien adds.
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