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2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN MID JANUARY!
SEE YOU THEN!

2025 VBLS
First-Year Lifeguard

A VBLS First-Year Lifeguard has not worked for VBLS in the past, and will be considered a member of the VBLS class of 2024.

2025 VBLS Recurrent (Returning) Lifeguard

A VBLS Recurrent Lifeguard applicant has completed VBLS training and worked for VBLS a minimum of one summer.

2025 VBLS
Supervisor

A VBLS Supervisor is a management level position for the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, Inc.

SCROLL FOR 2024 INCENTIVES AND FAQS

Apply

Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will be sent an email with dates to sign up for the swim test. 500 meters under 10 minutes.

train

After passing the swim test, you will be given free CPR, First Aid, and Ocean Rescue training. Flexible and multiple dates available.

get mentored

When training is complete, you will be put on stand with a seniored guard for mentoring and exposure to the beach.

Get to work!

You're now a USLA certified lifeguard! It's time to get to work and have the best Summer ever!!

Incentives

Recruiting Incentive 

 

As an incentive for returning guards to recruit new guards; if you recruit someone and they work 275+ hours, the recruiter will earn 50¢ on the hour that their recruited new hire works.  

 

Ex: If Sally recruits Jane as a new hire, and Jane works 300 hours, Sally will recieve $150 at the end of the year!  

 

 

Work Agreement Incentive 

 

At the beginning of the Summer, all guards (first year & recurrent) will be offered an incentive agreement to earn bonus money towards hours worked throughout the summer. The incentive agreement will stipulate your start date and end date on the schedule based on your academic commitments. If you sign and work to the agreed end of the schedule, you will receive the following: 

 

 

Work Hours / Bonus Rate / Amount 

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275 - 349 hours / $.50 on the hour / $137.50 - $174.50 

350 - 399 hours / $.75 on the hour / $262.50 - $299.25 

400 or more hours / $1.00 on the hour / $400 or more! 

FAQs

How much does ocean rescue lifeguard training cost?

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It’s FREE! All new guards will be given in-house CPR, First Aid, and Surf Rescue training. Recurrent guards are required to keep their First Aid and CPR certifications up-to-date which can be done in-house for free as well! Surf Rescue training is only required your first year working.  

 

 

Do you get paid for training?

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No. But you don’t have to pay for training!  

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How much do I get paid?

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Starting guard pay is $17.25! Pay increases come with lifetime hours worked.

 

 

How does training work?

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Once you have passed the swim test, you will be notified with training opportunities you can sign up for. Once you (new hires) have completed CPR, First Aid, and Surf Rescue training, you will be put on stand with a seniored guard to mentor you for ~8 hours. All in all, new hire training is around 40 hours over 5 days. These days do not have to be consecutive. There are many training classes avaiable that are flexible with most schedules. The sooner you complete training, the sooner you can get to work!  

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How often do I have to work?

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There is no set schedule for how many days a week over the Summer but the more the better! There are incentives to work more throughout the Summer (see below) and later into the season. We ask you to give as much availability as you can but that does not necessarily mean you will work every day you are available!  

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How old do I have to be?

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You must be 16 years old to work on the beach.

Join our Team - Become a VBLS Lifeguard!
 
Seasonal Job Opportunities:
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The 2025 Application process will open on mid January, 2025!  Applications will be open long enough to ensure full coverage of the 2025 Summer Season. Guards will be active on stands from May, thru September. Special consideration will be made for those returning who can start early and anyone who will be available through September.
 
 
 
PLEASE BE SURE TO LOOK AT MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SUPERVISORS BEFORE APPLYING. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT SWIM TESTING IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

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Mission

 

​To educate and advise on ocean safety, provide elite surf rescue and medical aid in emergency situations, and promote a positive and enjoyable experience for all citizens and visitors on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. 

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Vision
 
​VBLS is a respected leader in local, regional and national ocean rescue communities; trusted by the citizens of Virginia Beach to provide the highest quality of service up to and beyond its 100th year.

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Values
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  • Quality Customer Service 

  • Volunteerism 

  • Teamwork

  • Leadership and Learning 

  • Integrity 

  • Commitment 

  • Respect

VBLS Internship

Please email your resume and cover letter including how this will help you in the future to Heather at vboceanrescue@gmail.com by June 6th, 2024. 

 

Job Description

 

The Social Media Intern will gain hands-on experience performing a variety of roles within a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes environment, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact across the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association, beach-goers, and beyond. The environment will be full of learning opportunities, opportunities to express your creativeness, challenge their strengths, and reach their fullest potential while also fulfilling the role as a VBLS lifeguard. Must be available and working with VBLS through Labor Day. 

 

You will report to the Communications Specialist (Heather) who will advise you and request what is needed week from week. While this internship is unpaid, you will be able to carry out your duties as a VBLS Guard while gaining even more experience for your future career. 

 

The VBLS intern must be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree or must have recently achieved their Bachelor’s Degree in a related field as well as be currently employed by VBLS with a minimum of 1 year guarding. 

 

 

Essential Functions

 

  • Research and present new social trends, pop culture references and opportunities to create buzzworthy content on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.)

  • Assist with creating engaging content

  • Produce original social content for Instagram Stories and TikTok 

  • Assist with event coverage for VBLS and VBLA

  • Assist with social media community engagement 

  • Maintain the VBLS/VBLA brand by studying the target markets 

  • Assist with brainstorming marketing ideas

  • Continue to grow and expand the brand, maintaining quality and consistency amongst all entities and platforms

  • Represent VBLS/VBLA in a professional manner at all times 

  • Perform other related tasks as assigned
     

Personal Attributes

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  • Strong organizational, communications and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to understand the VBLS/VBLA 

  • Self-motivating personality, eager to succeed 

  • Demonstrate high levels of leadership, confidence and innovation 

  • High stamina and ability to handle pressure 

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with exceptional time management. 

  • Enthusiastic, energetic and imaginative 

  • Skills And Experience

 

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree or graduate degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Digital Marketing or other related field required. Must provide proof to receive credit through the internship toward the completion of a degree. 

  • Adobe Creative Suite Knowledge experience is a plus!

  • Organizing work effectively, conceptualizing and prioritizing objectives and exercising independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. 

  • Critical and analytical thinking processes 

  • Awareness of and interest in latest digital, social media and emerging trends shaping brands

  • Photography, photo, and video editing experience 

  • Organizational, communication and interpersonal skills 

  • Ability to meet deadlines 

  • Strong attention to detail 

  • Excellent writing skills 

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