Ocean Guard

Overview

The Town of Nags Head, located on the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina, is now accepting ocean lifeguard applications for the 2026 summer season. The Town's Ocean Rescue Unit protects approximately 11 ½ miles of beachfront with a staff of 45 lifeguards. Lifeguards are assigned to stationary stands or ATV roving patrols, with a work schedule of 10-12 days per two-week pay period, averaging 46-50+ hours per week.

Please read our intro letter for additional information about our 2026 season: 2026 Intro Letter

Training camp is mandatory for all first year guards.

• Training Camp #1 will run 5/10/26 - 5/23/26
• Training Camp #2 will run 6/5/26 - 6/17/26

Lifeguards that are hired under the age of 18 will participate in a structured training program where they will receive appropriate mentorship and supervision. Staff in this program will be Ocean Guard Apprentices and provide lifeguard services in a limited capacity.

Some housing is offered for rent by the lifeguard agency through a local reality company. If accepted for hire it is your responsibility to secure housing. We will make reasonable attempts to assist you in locating affordable housing and roommates in the area.

All applications must include a Physical Abilities Test Confirmation. You will be prompted to upload the Confirmation with your application submission. You can find the form here:
Physical Ability Confirmation

• Scans the area of surveillance to make sure that patrons are safe and behaving according to the rules.
• Acts in emergency situations and provides rescue and first aid assistance up to his or her training level until medical personnel arrives.
• Watches for unsafe conditions to prevent accidents and reports any hazards to the supervisor.
• Educates beach patrons about ocean swimming safety and hazards.
• Enforces rules consistently and fairly.
• Fills out reports for incidents or other records for reference.

• Run 1 mile in under 8 minutes. Will be required to test as part of hiring process.
• Swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes. Will be required to test as part of hiring process.
• Complete the Emergency Medical Responder training (60 hours), provided when hired.
• Complete the USLA approved open-water lifeguard training (48 hours), provided when hired.
• Pass a physical examination.
• Pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
• Must have current Lifeguard Training and/or Community First Aid Training, and Professional Rescuer Cardiopulmonary (CPR) within 3 weeks of employment.

• Knowledge of lifesaving methods and procedures, including first aid and CPR.
• Skilled in swimming.
• Maintains a professional appearance.
• Interacts politely with facility patrons and acts as a role model for young children.
• Attends all meetings and training sessions for the ocean rescue staff.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalency. (Waived if in our Apprentice Program)

Heavy work requiring physical exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical activities may include climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions. Employee must have the physical strength, endurance, and ability to swim against currents, sit for extended periods of time, and ability to drag 150 pounds through ocean surf.

Employee must have the visual acuity to distinguish people and objects at emergency scenes, both in and out of the water, with eyesight correctable to 20/40. Employee must have the stamina to work for extended periods of time in emergency situations.

Applications must include a Physical Abilities Test Confirmation. You will be prompted to upload the Confirmation with your application submission. You can find the form here:
Physical Ability Confirmation