Job Description

The City of Cape Town is inviting applications for Seasonal Municipal Pool Lifeguard positions within the Recreation and Parks Department.

The main swimming pool season starts in September 2026. Successful candidates will be appointed on a non-permanent seasonal contract basis and will work on an as-and-when-required basis, up to a maximum payment of 40 hours per week.

Work will mainly take place over weekends, public holidays, school holidays, and festive season periods.

The successful candidates will perform lifeguarding duties at municipal swimming pools to help ensure the safety of patrons and maintain a clean and safe facility.

Possible Pool Areas

Lifeguards may be rostered at municipal swimming pools in areas including:

North

• Sea Point Pavilion
• Atlantis
• Kensington
• Long Street Indoor Pool
• Observatory
• Trafalgar
• Langa
• Morningstar

East

• Strand Indoor Pool
• Blue Downs Indoor Pool
• Khayelitsha
• Kuilsriver Resort
• Monwabisi Resort / Day Camp

Central

• Bellville South
• Bonteheuwel
• Vulindlela
• Hanover Park
• Manenberg
• Goodwood
• Ravensmead
• Parow North
• Parow Valley
• Ruyterwacht
• Emthonjeni
• Bellville
• Athlone
• Delft
• Elsies River

South

• Retreat Indoor Pool
• Eastridge
• Mnandi
• Muizenberg
• Newlands
• Lentegeur
• Zandvlei Resort
• Westridge
• Browns Farm
• Wynberg

Responsibilities

• Perform lifeguarding duties at municipal swimming pools.
• Patrol, monitor, and control the pool, deck, and diving areas.
• Monitor and control entrance to and exit from the pool.
• Monitor the physical activities of patrons.
• Identify, prevent, and remove hazards and threats to pool users.
• Respond quickly to emergency situations.
• Ensure own safety and the safety of others during aquatic rescues.
• Apply the correct lifesaving and first aid procedures.
• Support pool maintenance duties.
• Help provide a clean and safe facility.
• Follow instructions, procedures, and safety standards.
• Maintain a professional image of the City of Cape Town.

Requirements

• Grade 10 certificate, or 12 months relevant lifesaving experience.
• Valid Level 1 First Aid certificate, or willingness to obtain one within 3 months of appointment.
• Valid lifeguard certificate will be an advantage.
• Must be physically fit.
• Clear criminal record.
• No pending criminal cases, awaiting trial cases, or pending sentencing cases.
• Good communication skills.
• Conflict handling skills.
• Must be drug free.
• Must be willing to undergo compulsory drug testing if shortlisted.
• Must be willing to undergo compulsory competency assessments if shortlisted.
• Must apply for a recent SAPS Name Clearance Certificate.

Assessment Requirements

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a compulsory swim and rescue test.

The test includes:

• 100m swim test under 2 minutes.
• Rescue techniques.
• First aid techniques.

Candidates who pass the swim test may also be required to:

• Submit fingerprints or identity numbers for clearance checks.
• Be evaluated on lifesaving and rescue techniques.
• Undergo compulsory drug testing.

Skills

• Lifeguarding
• Water safety
• First aid
• Emergency response
• Pool safety
• Rescue techniques
• Communication skills
• Conflict handling
• Patron monitoring
• Hazard identification
• Teamwork
• Physical fitness
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow procedures
• Professional conduct