City of Newcastle calls for next wave of trainee lifeguards

With beaches that attract over one million swimmers and sunseekers each year, City of Newcastle is calling for high-school aged trainee lifeguards to patrol our coastline alongside our professional lifeguards.

For the fourth year running, City of Newcastle is investing in upskilling Hunter Surf Lifesavers under its Trainee Lifeguard program.

City of Newcastle trainee lifeguards Blake Cook, Xavier Coates, Andie Widseth, Lily Forbes, and Zara Campbell.Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said as a coastal city experiencing a growth in population and visitors, it is vital City of Newcastle continues to develop and grow its professional lifeguard team.

“Our Trainee Lifeguard Program offers successful applicants an opportunity to shadow City of Newcastle lifeguards who support the community so they can safely enjoy the city’s beaches and ocean baths,” Ms Duffy said.

“The program involves weekday shifts of up to 24 hours per week throughout the summer school holidays and offers invaluable mentorship from our professional lifeguards.

City of Newcastle invites the community to Dixon Park on Friday 11 October between 6am and 9am to speak to our team of lifeguards including the 2024 Australian Open Ironman Champion Dan Collins, and previous trainees.

"Interested locals will be able to ask questions about water safety, learn about the six-week trainee program and the unique career opportunities within their own backyard," Ms Duffy said.

Since City of Newcastle launched the program in 2021, the traineeship has helped kickstart the careers of 13 lifeguards, who are now regularly patrolling our beaches during the summer months.

Zara Campbell, who undertook the traineeship in the 2023/24 season and will shortly commence work as a City of Newcastle casual lifeguard this summer, said the program provided her with a breadth of knowledge and insight into what it takes to be a beach lifeguard. 

“The traineeship has offered me new skills that I can transfer into my day-to-day life," Ms Campbell said.

"The work environment was so welcoming which allowed me to make the most of the experience alongside a great team of lifeguards. I am extremely excited to commence as a causal lifeguard and use these new skills I have gained,” 

“I highly recommend the traineeship to high school students who are interested in becoming a professional lifeguard. The learning experience was fun, it is a great summer job, and you work alongside great individuals who make a huge contribution towards keeping Newcastle’s beaches safe.”

Applications open Wednesday 2 October and close on Sunday 20 October, with successful trainees beginning the program on 23 December 2024.

Visit City of Newcastle's Employment Opportunities webpage for more information.