Lifeguard Tryouts to Draw 200 Prospects to Huntington : Employment: Applicants competing for 40 state jobs must be good ocean swimmers who are physically fit.

Ellen Leppek says she has wanted to be a lifeguard ever since the day five years ago when she used CPR to resuscitate a swimmer at a local beach.

“This is definitely what I want to do . . . be a lifeguard and save lives,” said Leppek, a part-time waitress and track coach.

On Saturday, she and 200 others will find out if they have what it takes when the state Department of Parks and Recreation holds tryouts for 40 lifeguard positions.

Those interested in trying out for spots are asked to report to Huntington State Beach, Magnolia Street and Pacific Coast Highway, for a 7 a.m. check-in.

Applicants--good ocean swimmers who are physically fit--must present a valid California driver’s license and current driving record, available from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Those age 16 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The tryouts consist of three phases: a 1,000-yard ocean swim that must be completed in 20 minutes; a competitive run-swim-run (a 200-yard run, 400-yard swim and 200-yard run) for the top finishers of the ocean swim, and an oral examination for the 60 finalists on the ocean, basic skills and rescue procedures.

Forty will be chosen for rigorous training July 26 to Aug. 1.

“They basically have to give us a week of their lives,” said Dan Lineback, a lifeguard supervisor.

Additional lifeguards are needed because many were transferred to Los Angeles County when the state recently began covering beaches there.

The need also grew, according to lifeguard supervisor Tom Barnett, when some rookie lifeguards failed their field training.

Lifeguard pay starts at $10.83 per hour, with 30- to 40-hour work weeks, Lineback said. New recruits will be placed at beaches statewide, including Huntington State Beach.

Leppek, 30, had never tried out for a lifeguard position because of other obligations, but says she’s confident she’ll perform well.

“I swim consistently six days a week, I surf, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Leppek said. “This is my chance!”

Information: (714) 536-1454.