Criteria
Thank you for
your interest in becoming a member of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol.
Since 1921, the beach patrol has been assisting distressed swimmers
and beach bathers on Rehoboth’s beaches. Needless to say, we are very
concerned about the quality of personnel that protect and serve our beach
patrons.
Persons seeking
employment as ocean rescue personnel must meet several criteria to be
considered for a position of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol.
They are as follows:
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You must be 17 for employment at the start of the Summer Season. Individuals who are 16 can still tryout but will need to be 17 on or before the Memorial Day Weekend.
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You must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.
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You must pass a pre-employment physical test. The test is designed to evaluate your running and swimming capabilities as well as your ability to follow instructions.
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Upon successful completion of the pre-employment testthe Captain of the patrol will interview you. You will also need to submit an application at this time.
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You must be in excellent physical shape the first day of work. All rookies, regardless of experience or certifications, must participate in a rigorous training program supervised by a section lieutenant. This training culminates in a ‘Rookie Test’ in mid-July. You must have 25 training days to take the test so attendance is emphasized. All rookies must attempt to qualify for and take the 'Rookie Test’. If you fail to complete a workout session or fail to perform satisfactorily based on your lieutenant’s evaluation, you will be counseled. Failure to perform on a consistent basis will lead to dismissal.
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You must be prepared to learn. Every beach has it's own particular hazards and rules, which you will be expected to know. The lieutenants and veteran guards will take an active interest in you becoming competent with the beach patrol’s rules, procedures, and organization. We will also train you to be the best surf-lifeguard possible. A beach patrol handbook has been developed which covers most of the information you will need to learn. This handbook will be dispersed once you are hired. All members of the patrol must pass a cognitive test on the material in the handbook, as well as a general lifesaving and first aid test upon returning each year.
Surf-Lifeguard
Pre-Employment Test
The pre-employment test will be given on the dates listed below. Please meet at Grove Park across from the 7-11 off of Rehoboth Avenue for the first part of the test. The second part of the test will consist of the water phase, held at the Sussex YMCA in Rehoboth Beach. (see below for times and dates)
To be considered
for hire, all parts of the following test must be passed:
1.
Run 1 mile continuously (must complete in under
7:30 minutes)
2.
Push-ups (Females- 30 push-ups in 1 minute
Males- 40 push-ups in 1 minute)
3.
Sit-ups
(Females- 40 sit-ups in 1 minute
Males- 50 sit-ups in 1 minute)
4.
Swim 10 laps in 25 yard pool (must complete in
under 10 minutes)
5.
Sprint swim 50 yards (must complete in under 40
seconds)
6. 25 yard underwater swim without surfacing
(1 length of pool)
7.
Perform pool rescues (cross-chest)
a.
Without equipment of any sort, perform a simulated rescue: swim 50
yards to passive victim; move victim to horizontal position; tow victim
using a cross chest carry 25 yards back to shallow end of pool; release
on command. Do not let go of
victim before instructed to do so and do not make contact with pool bottom
or walls at any time.
b.
Perform the following deep-water rescue: while in a short approach
to the victim, observe victim sink beneath pool surface.
Upon reaching victim’s former position perform a surface dive to
bottom of pool (8 feet deep) and return victim to the surface
in a cross-chest carry.
The following
items must be brought to the test site or participation will not be
allowed:
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The Application for Employment of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. This form must be completely and properly filled out and signed by you or your guardian if less than 18 years of age on test date.
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Proof of age. You may submit a certified copy of your birth or baptismal certificate, a valid United States passport, or a valid driver’s license.
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A physical is not required for the test but is recommended for your safety.
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Appropriate clothing for the test. A swimsuit, goggles, towel, sweatshirt, gym shorts or sweatpants are examples of what will be needed. A lock to secure your valuables in the YMCA locker room is also recommended.
After the
performance test, Captain Buckson will conduct a brief interview with each
applicant.
Please call to
schedule the test session that will be most convenient for you.
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Captain Buckson (302)
227-5426
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City Hall (302) 227-6181
Pre-Employment Testing Sessions:
(3:00 PM Saturday & 2:00 PM Sunday)
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March 22, 2009 - Sunday
- 2:00 PM
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March 28, 2009 -
Saturday - 3:00 PM
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April 5, 2009 - Sunday -
2:00 PM
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May - If needed -
Contact Capt. Buckson
Call Captain Buckson for testing info - 302-227-5426
Please feel free
to call about any questions or concerns you might have.
While entry to the Rehoboth Beach Patrol is difficult and time
consuming, it is well worth the effort.
Rehoboth has one of the finest open water beach patrols in the
United States. Members of the
patrol make friendships that endure a lifetime. Work Hard-Play Hard.
Rookie
Test Click
image for larger view
All first year
guards must pass the traditional ‘Rookie Test’.
To be eligible for this test a rookie must have a minimum of 25
workout days prior to the day of the test.
The test is a 10-event competition in which the declared winner is
the patrol’s Rookie-of-the-Year.
Not to mention being recognized as a superior athlete and
lifeguard.
This person receives a paid day off and the Captains Plaque. The
testing date usually falls between the 2nd and 3rd
week of July. The two-day
competition consists of the following events:
Day 1
Run-Swim-Run (Morning)
1-Mile
Boardwalk Swim (Afternoon)
Day 2
½ Mile Run
Sprint
Swim
Push-Up
Contest
220
yard Soft Sand Sprint
Buoy
Charges
Line
Charges
Timed
Underwater Breath Hold
Ocean
Rescues, with and without Buoy