Parks and Recreation

Beach Patrol - Lifeguard Physical and Skills Performance Test

Clearwater Beach Patrol is a United States Lifesaving Association certified agency. As such, we meet and exceed the requirements to maintain certification by:

• Requiring lifeguards to pass a preliminary fitness test prior to their application being processed for hire.



• Ability to swim 500 meters and run 1-mile under 18 minutes combined (the clock does not stop between the swim and run).



• Swim (500 meters) must be completed in 10 minutes or less.



• After hire:
  • Lifeguards are required to complete 40 hours of supervised USLA approved open water lifesaving training and preventive lifeguard skills.
  • Lifeguards are required to complete a 40 hour First Responder's course
  • Lifeguards are required to complete CPR training.



• Daily:
  • Group training from 9:00 - 9:30 am
  • Individual training of between 30-45 minutes including skills for swimming, running, paddle boarding, surf skiing, and weight training.
  • First Aid training

We strongly encourage all full time lifeguards to obtain an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.