City of Newcastle Seeks Next Generation of Trainee Lifeguards

The City of Newcastle is calling on high-school students keen to become lifeguards to apply for its 2024 Trainee Lifeguard Program. With over one million beachgoers flocking to Newcastle’s beaches each year, the program offers young locals the chance to learn from the city’s professional lifeguards and gain essential lifesaving skills.

Now in its fourth year, the program is part of the City of Newcastle’s ongoing effort to develop a strong team of lifeguards to keep its coastline safe as the city’s population and visitor numbers grow.

Lynn Duffy, Executive Manager of Community and Recreation, emphasised the importance of the program for Newcastle’s future.

“With more people visiting our beaches, it’s crucial that we continue to train and expand our professional lifeguard team,” Ms Duffy said. “The Trainee Lifeguard Program provides an excellent opportunity for young people to work alongside our experienced lifeguards and gain invaluable knowledge about beach safety and the responsibilities of a lifeguard.”

The six-week program runs during the summer school holidays and involves up to 24 hours of work per week. Trainees are mentored by the city’s lifeguards and gain hands-on experience in real-life scenarios.

To showcase the program, City of Newcastle will host a special event at Dixon Park Beach on Friday, 11 October, from 6am to 9am. The event will give prospective applicants the chance to meet the team, including 2024 Australian Open Ironman Champion Dan Collins, as well as former trainees who are now working as lifeguards.

Zara Campbell, a former trainee from the 2023/24 season, shared her experience of the program, saying it had been instrumental in her development as a lifeguard.

“The traineeship gave me new skills that I now use in everyday life,” Zara said. “The team was incredibly welcoming, and I had a great time learning from them. I can’t wait to start working as a casual lifeguard this summer.”

Applications for the Trainee Lifeguard Program open on Wednesday, 2 October, and close on Sunday, 20 October. Successful applicants will begin their training on 23 December 2024.

For more information, visit the City of Newcastle’s Employment Opportunities webpage.