Recreational Assistant Lifeguard Job in New Suffolk, New York US

Recreational Assistant Lifeguard

DUTIES: Fire Island National Seashore Lifeguards are responsible for lifeguarding three beaches: Watch Hill, Talisman and Sailors Haven. Lifeguards maintain a constant watch over assigned beach and water to prevent accidents and water oriented emergencies. They respond to emergencies on land and in the water. Lifeguards enforce beach regulations and assist park visitors with first aid and provide accurate information. Lifeguards are responsible for opening and closing the beaches each day which includes continuous cleanup of the beaches, changing rooms and vehicles. They are required to perform a beach count twice a day, keep a daily beach log and write reports when needed. Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining all rescue equipment in a safe and ready condition. During the summer lifeguards are required to participate in a skills and fitness training program working on lifeguard skills and keeping certifications up to date. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires tremendous physical exertion when making rescues. Entire day must be spent outside in bright sun around highly reflective surfaces. Incumbent must be able to swim long distances in open surf. He/she is expected to run in sand and maintain endurance to cope with saving a human life in strong ocean currents. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The environment is an ocean. Extremes in temperature are common. Ambient air temperatures of 100 degrees F are recorded every summer and surf temperatures can be as low as 48 degrees F. Almost all work is performed on the beach during the summer, sometimes during inclement weather. AREA INFORMATION/HOUSING INFORMATION: Fire Island National Seashore is located 5-7 miles south of Long Island, New York. It is comprised of about 19,000 acres along 26 miles of ocean and bay shoreline including islands within the Great South Bay. The Fire Island National Seashore has 17 communities within its boundary along with 2 NPS marinas and campgrounds operated by a concessionaire. Transportation in the summer between the island and the mainland is by public ferry or private boat. Because it is accessible only by water in summer, it could be considered a remote duty station. Of note, Fire Island contains the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State. Employee housing is available on a seasonal basis on Fire Island but is not required. The area of New York is a high cost location. All of the amenities one would expect to find in a suburban area are available on the mainland of Long Island, including access to medical facilities, shopping and an abundance of recreational activities and opportunities including access to some of the world's best beaches, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking and other related water activities. The park is approximately 55 miles east of New York City. Park headquarters are located on the mainland in the Village of Patchogue on the Great South Bay. Patchogue has a vibrant downtown area that includes a performing arts theater, music amphitheater, specialty shops, pubs and dining establishments. During the summer season, special events in the area include street festivals, off-shore power boat racing, the Pathogen River Festival and the Great South Bay Music Festival.