Featured photo: beach lifeguard tower by David Vives / Unsplash. Illustrative only; not the October 2026 tryouts.

CALIFORNIA58 | STATEWIDE JOBS & PUBLIC SAFETY | OCTOBER 18, 2026. California State Parks has posted the first two ocean-lifeguard tryouts for its 2027 seasonal training cycle: Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Huntington Beach and Monterey. The recruitment notice lists a starting pay range of $21.29–$23.53 per hour, including eligible differentials, but applicants must complete competitive swimming tests, an interview and subsequent training before they can qualify for a position.

October 24 tryout times and locations

  • Huntington State Beach: Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m. The park’s testing-location directory lists Huntington State Beach Lifeguard Headquarters at 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92646, with entry at Magnolia Avenue and PCH.
  • Monterey State Beach: Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 a.m. The site directory lists the Roberts Lot, 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey, CA 93940, with registration on the beach in front of the parking area.

These are the first dates listed for the 2027 ocean-lifeguard cycle, not training-completion dates or guaranteed hiring offers. State Parks warns that times and testing plans can change because of weather, scheduling and operational needs. Verify details on the official recruitment page before traveling.

What applicants must do in the water

The posted competitive swim test includes two separate components: a 1,000-yard open-water swim with a 20-minute limit, and a continuous 200-yard run, 400-yard swim and 200-yard run with a 10-minute limit. Completing the swim test is only an initial qualification stage. State Parks also lists an appraisal interview, successful lifeguard training and field training as requirements.

Applicants must meet the agency’s other stated conditions, including a valid California driver license and acceptable driving record, physical strength and endurance, the ability to see and hear a person in distress, and willingness to work weekends or holidays. A scheduled test is not a promise of employment.

What to bring

State Parks says picture identification is required on test day. Its checklist also calls for a completed job application, swimsuit, towel, warm clothes, clothing suitable for an interview, food and water. Minors must have a parent or guardian present for the swim-test waiver signature. Wetsuits, swimming caps and goggles are allowed for the tryout, although the agency states those items are not allowed during its seasonal lifeguard training program.

Training and hourly pay

The recruitment page advertises an eight-day paid training program covering public-safety first aid, CPR, AED, open-water lifesaving and aquatic search-and-rescue procedures. The department lists a seasonal hourly range of $21.29–$23.53, with eligible differentials included; applicants should confirm current compensation and hiring terms directly with the agency. Training sessions for the 2027 ocean cycle are currently shown in May and June 2027.

More test dates are planned

People who cannot attend October’s first two sessions may have later options. The posted 2027 test schedule includes Silver Strand on February 20; Cardiff, Santa Cruz and Ventura on February 27; Santa Barbara on March 7; and Half Moon Bay on March 20. The state may update or cancel entries, so candidates should review the latest schedule before making arrangements.

How to express interest

The California State Parks Ocean Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Tryouts page includes an interest form, the testing-location directory, application instructions and direct contacts. General inquiries can be sent to AquaticSafety@parks.ca.gov. For site-specific questions, the official directory lists 714-536-1454 for Huntington and 831-657-5799 for Monterey.

What this means for California job seekers

The October tryouts give qualified swimmers an early opportunity to enter the selection process for a public-safety job on California’s coast. Applicants should prepare for the actual open-water test rather than relying on pool fitness alone, check transportation and parking arrangements, and review the documentation rules. For other workforce developments, read California58’s reporting on California apprenticeship funding.

Primary source: California State Parks — Ocean Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Tryouts, accessed October 18, 2026. Dates, pay and eligibility are agency-posted information and may change. California58 is not the employer and does not process applications.

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