Newport Beach : Lifeguard Applicants Will Be Put to the Test

Strong swimmers with good eyesight and a knowledge of first aid are invited to assemble on the beach at Newport Pier on Feb. 23 in a qualification test for jobs as Newport Beach lifeguards.

Those selected after the tests will go through training March 22-28, after which the top performers will be offered lifeguard jobs. Trainees will be offered positions based on a point score amassed during training, and applicants 18 years old and older will be given preference.

Would-be lifeguards are to assemble at 7:45 a.m. at the Newport Pier Lifeguard Headquarters and fill out application forms before the tests begin at 8 a.m. Parking is available at 22nd Street and McFadden Square.

Applicants must complete an 800-yard swim from 28th Street to the pier under a certain time to qualify for a 1,100-yard run-swim-run and a 400-yard board paddle. Survivors of the first three tests will then fill out questionnaires and undergo interviews, a first-aid examination and a check of eyesight, which must be at least 20-40 corrected vision.

For more information, call (714) 644-3047 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.