Seasonal Lifeguard
The Town of Falmouth is seeking responsible and motivated individuals age 16 and older to join our Beach Team as Seasonal Lifeguards at Town-owned beaches. This is an opportunity to spend the summer on the beach, make a difference in your community, and be part of a supportive team dedicated to keeping residents and visitors safe while they enjoy Falmouth’s coastline. Lifeguards also gain valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, public service, and emergency response.
Seasonal Lifeguards begin with a mandatory evening orientation (tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026) and work through Labor Day. These positions typically work five days (42.5 hours) per week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Applicants who cannot commit to a full 5-day per week schedule are still encouraged to apply and should note their availability in their application.
Under the direction of the Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor, members of the Lifeguard team:
- Monitor assigned Town-owned beaches to help ensure public safety;
- Respond to emergency situations and perform water rescues and first aid consistent with training until medical personnel arrive;
- Coordinate with Emergency Communications, Fire Rescue, Police, or other Town staff during emergency responses;
- Enforce beach rules and regulations to promote a safe and welcoming environment;
- Provide information and assistance to beach visitors;
- Assist with accessible beach equipment, including water wheelchairs;
- Help maintain Town-owned beach equipment and facilities; and
- Perform any other related work as needed.
Lifeguards report to Surf Drive Beach or Old Silver Beach at the start of the day and then travel or carpool to their daily assigned beach. Assignments include: Menauhant, Bristol, Falmouth Heights, Surf Drive, Mill Road Extension, M.B.L. Stoney, Goodwill Park, Wood Neck, Chapoquoit, Old Silver, or Megansett.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years of age, able to pass a pre-employment CORI criminal background check, and must have obtained Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Waterfront Skills certification through the American Red Cross or an accredited program.
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to an in-person tryout and interview, anticipated to be held during a weekend in May 2026.
Applicants who are not yet certified are still encouraged to apply and should indicate their plan and anticipated timeframe for obtaining certification. Lifeguard certification, which is valid for two years, can be obtained through the American Red Cross or other accredited providers, such as local YMCA or Boys & Girls Club programs. The Town will also offer a lifeguard certification course during July 2026. Additional information will be available on the Beach Division's website at the start of the beach season in late June.
Starting Hourly Rate: $19.55/hour for the first season of employment. Returning lifeguards have opportunities for increased pay, leadership roles, and supervisory experience in future seasons.
Eligible employees may also receive a $400 retention bonus paid in the second paycheck in August if they:
- Attend the mandatory orientation and begin work on or before June 27, 2026;
- Commit to at least 3 days (25.5 hours) per week;
- Work or arrange coverage for all scheduled shifts through August 17, 2026; and
- Provide proof of required lifeguard certification prior to their first day.
Preference Date to Apply: Monday, April 6, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. The positions will remain open until filled, but candidates who apply by this date and time will be given preference over later applications.
About the Town of Falmouth as an Employer: The Town of Falmouth is a people-centered municipality committed to public service excellence. We strive to foster an inclusive and supportive work culture grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and accountability, and we invest in our personnel through ongoing training and professional development opportunities. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, insurance, and other benefits, including enrollment in the Town's pension plan, and to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. All applicants must be able to interact and work effectively and respectfully with individuals and groups of various abilities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and identities.