| Open Water Division |
| (*Videos filmed in W I D E S C R E E N, need Windows Media Player 9 or higer to view. You can download Media Player 10 here) |
| Beaches Cabrillo Beach 3720 Stephen M. White Dr. San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 548-2909 Directions |
| Lakes Hansen Dam 11798 Foothill Blvd. Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 (818) 899-8369 Directions Lake Balboa 6300 Balboa Blvd. Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 756-9743 Directions Macarthur Lake 2230 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 368-4160 Directions Echo Lake 751 Echo Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 847-8524 Directions |
| The following are requirments to become an L.A. City Open Water Lifeguard: - Complete a Pre-Application - Bring your completed swim certificate to the tryouts. - Successfully complete a competitive 1,000 meter ocean swim at Cabrillo Beach under 20 minutes. - Pass the qualifing oral interview. - Successfully complete the competitive 84 hour Open Water Lifeguard Training Academy Click here for the official job bulliten L.A. City Open Water Training Academy: The 2008 Open Water Training Academy Dates are: 4/12(orientation), 4/19, 4/20, 4/26, 4/27, 5/3, 5/4, 5/10, 5/11, 5/17(graduation) 0800-1800 each day In order to respond effectively to the rigorous demands and inherent dangers of open water lifeguarding, the Aquatics Division, Open Water Section, operates as a paramilitary organization and follows a strict standard of conduct that, in some cases, exceeds that of the Department as a whole. The Training Academy instills this behavior into each candidate so that they may successfully learn the basic skills and knowledge necessary to function as an Open Water Lifeguard. The behavior and performance of each candidate will be observed and evaluated under classroom, field, and emergency situations. All candidates can expect a high degree of physical and mental pressure to be applied and a high level of discipline to be maintained throughout the Academy in order to assure an effective learning process. During the Open Water Training Academy, each candidate is given extensive instruction on the following material: - Basic First Aid - CPR - Open Water Enviornment/Hazards - Open Water Rescue Equipment - Open Water Rescues/Techniques - Spinal Management - Basic Medical Skills (blood pressure, oxygen, etc...) - Search and Rescue/Recovery - Tower Procedures - Tactical Communications - Basic Rescue Vehicle/Vessel Operation Each day the candidates will also participate in numerous competetive "Physical Training Events" (PT), which will include running, swimming, paddling, or most likely a combination of all three. Each of these events is meant to physically and mentally prepare the candidates for the extreme physical nature of open water lifeguarding. At the end of the academy, the candidates are each tested individually as well as thier ability to work within a team with various medical and rescue senarios. They are also given a comprehensive written exam for each. Each candidate is then ranked according to thier overall score. Hiring takes place according to your rank at the end of the academy. The number of candidates hired after completion of the training academy depends on the current demand at each of the open water facilities. Completion of the training academy does NOT guarantee you a position as an open water lifeguard. To get a better idea of what training is going to be like, watch our Open Water Lifeguard Training Video! This video contains footage from actual training classes. Remember, the key to success is proper preparation! |
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| Download our Open Water Lifeguard Promotional Video! (12.9MB) Download our Open Water Lifeguard Training Video! (25.5MB) |
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| The City of Los Angeles provides lifeguard services at five Open Water Facilities. Namely, one beach and four lakes. The following is a list of facilities that are currently guarded by L.A. City Open Water Lifeguards (OWL's). |