Lifeguard (Seasonal) Job Opportunity – eThekwini Municipality
📍 Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🏢 Employer: eThekwini Municipality – Community Services Department
📌 Position: Lifeguard (Seasonal)
📍 Reference Number: 99994688 & Various
🗓 Closing Date: 14 August 2026
💰 Salary: R117.06 per hour
⏰ Job Type: Part-Time (Seasonal)
📚 Minimum Qualification: Grade 10 or below
About the Opportunity
The eThekwini Municipality is inviting applications for Seasonal Lifeguard positions within the Recreation and Parks Directorate. Successful candidates will help ensure the safety of beach visitors by preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and promoting water safety at designated beaches across Durban.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are physically fit, passionate about public safety, and enjoy working outdoors while serving the community.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
- Performing lifeguard duties at designated beaches.
- Monitoring swimmers and ensuring public safety.
- Assisting with the administration and supervision of beaches.
- Supporting Power Craft operations (IRB and Jet Ski).
- Responding quickly to emergencies and rescues.
- Following all training requirements and operational procedures.
- Promoting water safety awareness.
- Maintaining the professional image of the Aquatic Safety Service.
- Working under the guidance of the Lifeguard In-Charge.
- Providing excellent customer service to beach visitors.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- An appropriate level of secondary education.
- A valid Lifeguard Award or equivalent qualification with a current annual retest.
- A valid Level 2 First Aid Certificate or obtain one within six months of appointment.
- At least 12 months’ experience with a voluntary Surf Lifesaving Club or one holiday season working as a temporary/seasonal lifeguard.
- Knowledge of operating two-way radios.
Preferred Requirements
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
- Appropriate secondary education.
- Current Lifeguard qualification.
- Valid Level 2 First Aid Certificate.
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Instructor Rescue Boat (IRB) Crewman’s Certificate or equivalent.
- At least 18 months of relevant experience.
Required Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Community and customer focus.
- Strong communication skills.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Emergency response knowledge.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Teamwork.
- Service delivery orientation.
- Learning and development mindset.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Results-driven attitude.
Special Conditions
Successful applicants must:
- Pass the required fitness and swimming entrance tests.
- Pass quarterly skills and fitness assessments.
- Work overtime when operationally required.
- Work in all weather conditions.
- Follow instructions from the Lifeguard In-Charge.
- Wear the official municipal uniform at all times.
- Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
- Provide proof of Hepatitis B immunisation before appointment.
- Accept the risks associated with rescue operations.
Physical Requirements
Applicants must:
- Maintain excellent physical fitness.
- Have good hearing and eyesight.
- Successfully complete annual medical examinations.
- Meet all aquatic safety fitness standards.
Employment Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate of R117.06 per hour.
- Leave benefits.
- Valuable emergency response experience.
- Opportunity to work on Durban’s world-famous beaches.
- Gain practical experience in aquatic safety and public service.
- Build teamwork and rescue skills.
Job Details
- Employer: eThekwini Municipality
- Department: Community Services
- Directorate: Recreation and Parks
- Division: Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries
- Job Grade: T07
- Job Type: Seasonal Part-Time
- Location: North Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Reference Number: 99994688 & Various
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Apply as soon as possible before the closing date.