NEWPORT BEACH : City to Hold Annual Lifeguard Tryouts

The city will hold its annual lifeguard tryouts Sunday morning near the Newport Pier.

The rigorous test of physical stamina and swimming strength, plus a written quiz, will help officials in hiring 10 to 20 people for the summer lifeguard staff.

“We do one (test) every spring,” said Lt. Jim Turner of the Newport Beach Marine Safety Division. “We are looking for the local aquatics athletes . . . from local high schools and colleges.”

There will be an 800-yard swim, some running, and board paddling tests Sunday morning.

Applicants must turn 16 by July, 1994, and have good vision. The city hires both men and women for its lifeguard staff.

Turner said that it is getting increasingly difficult to find strong swimmers to fill the open positions.

“Our applications have been reasonably slim” this year, he said. “It just seems that there are fewer people out there swimming.”