Are you up for the challenge?
If you are, the Rehoboth Beach Patrol offers fun and important summer employment where YOU can make a difference to lives and livelihoods. Being an ocean rescue lifeguard is mentally and physically demanding – you’ll test your limits on a daily basis – and the rewards are amazing. You’ll make lifelong friends as your colleagues rise to the challenge with you, and you’ll develop skills and traits that will serve you well as you pursue professional endeavors. And, if you work really hard, you might just earn Rookie of the Year status.
The 2025 salary for lifeguards starts at $21/hour.
Returning lifeguards must email Captain Jeff Giles by March 1 or call him at 302-258-4888. New lifeguard candidates, please see information below.
Join us as a rookie for the 2025 season!
2025 tryout dates – required for all new candidates
New 2025 applicants must attend one of the following tryouts:
March 22
Noon
Sussex County YMCA, 20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach
March 29
8 am
Lake Forest High School, 5407 Killens Pond Road, Felton (rear parking lot near the pool)
April 5
10 am
Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences, 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown (pool entrance)
Pre-employment tryout requirements
Ocean lifeguarding is physically demanding. For this reason, candidates must demonstrate that they can:
- run a mile in under 7:30
- perform a specified number of pushups within one minute (30 for females; 40 for males)
- perform a specified number of sit-ups within one minute (40 for females; 50 for males)
- swim 500 meters (550 yards) in under 10 minutes
- sprint swim 100 yards in under 90 seconds
- swim 25 yards (one length of a pool) under water without surfacing
- perform simulated pool rescues as directed.
- Complete the online application and bring a printed copy to your tryout location. The application must be signed by you or your guardian if you’re younger than 18 on the test date.
- Participate in a pre-employment test/tryout. The test evaluates your running and swimming capabilities as well as your ability to follow instructions. See tryout dates below.
- You must be 16 years old by Memorial Day weekend to be employed by the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. Provide a certified copy of your birth certificate or baptismal certificate, a valid United States passport, or a valid driver’s license as proof of age.
- Upon successful completion of the pre-employment test, the beach patrol captain will conduct a brief interview with you.
- You’ll be required to get certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the tryout/test. A swimsuit, goggles, sweatshirt, gym shorts, sweatpants, and towel are examples of what you’ll need.
- A physical is not required but is recommended.