Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in the Town of Nantucket Beach Lifeguard Program. Nantucket Lifeguards work as a team to protect ten of Nantucket’s busiest beaches. Nantucket Lifeguards pride themselves on being a team first and foremost, and for being physically and mentally trained and prepared for any situation. In 2025, the Nantucket Lifeguards successfully guarded over 400,000 beach patrons.
The Nantucket Lifeguards strive for excellence both on and off duty. They participate in many community events and fundraisers. In previous years they have participated in the Nantucket Triathlon, Iron Man, and the Swim Across America.
This year the season will be starting with beach week on June 8th, 2026 for Head Lifeguards and June 15th, 2026 for all other Lifeguards. The season will end on Labor Day, which is September 7th, 2026. We encourage and give preference to guards that can be here for the entire season which ends September 7, 2026 (Labor Day). We understand that academic pursuits are important but so is our mission of safeguarding the beach patrons of Nantucket for the full season. **You will be expected to work until the listed departure date that you provide.**
The deadline for applications is March 1st, 2026. The starting hourly rate for the lifeguards is $27.00 per hour.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Individuals will be notified of the receipt of their application and phone interviews will be conducted the week of March 8th, 2026. Positions will not be offered until the application deadline has passed. To finish applying, you need to complete this lifeguard specific application as well as the standard Town of Nantucket application for employment which will be emailed to you after this form has been submitted.
The following requirements are necessary to apply for this position:
1. Must be at least 16 years old
2. Should possess either a valid driver's license or passport
3. A current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/First Aid) Certificate that is valid through September 2026.
4. A current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate that is valid through September 2026.
***If your certifications are expired OR will expire during Summer 2026, you are responsible to get them renewed. Classes will not be scheduled by the Town of Nantucket prior to the start of the season. If you are currently taking a class, please attach proof of the class instead of certification in the attachments section***
All selected applicants will be required to pass some basic physical performance tests during beach week. The physical test will include:
1. A 550-yard swim in 10 minutes or less using only front swimming strokes.
2. A 1.5 mile run in under 15 minutes
3. Run 550 yards on the beach, swim 550 yards in the surf and run 550 yards on the beach in under 15 minutes.
All selected applicants will be required to pass a physical examination (at the applicant’s expense) that demonstrates the satisfactory ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
All applicants must be able to satisfactorily complete random drug screening.
Failure to successfully complete any of the tests or beach week will be cause for dismissal from the lifeguard program. We recommend training in advance and trying the tests prior to beach week to be sure you can pass.
There are no part time or partial summer positions available. All applicants should be prepared to work from the first week until the end of summer or when you are required to return to school. If you cannot attend beach week you should not apply.
Town owned housing is limited, has strict regulations, and costs $125.00 per week. If you are requesting town housing, please let me know and I will send you the housing rules and requirements. We recommend that you secure your housing arrangements early.
Please feel free to distribute this application to anyone who you feel would make an excellent candidate.
Sincerely,
Sheila Lucey
Program Director
Nantucket Lifeguards perform the following duties:
- Prevents injuries and drowning
- Makes ocean rescues
- Identifies beach and water hazards
- Notify the public of any hazards (e.g. weather, jellyfish, etc.)
- Watches designated sections of beach from assigned stations
- Acts as a “first responder”
- Provides first aid
- Helps to enforce the Town of Nantucket Beach Rules and Regulations
- Monitors beach patrons’ safety both in the water and on the beach
- Properly maintains stations, equipment and housing
- Keeps beach log of activity
- Removes hazardous articles from the beach and water
- Maintains communication with Police dispatch and the Marine and Coastal Resources Department
- Any other duties as assigned by the Lifeguard Supervisor
Nantucket Lifeguards are expected to perform these duties with a high level of professionalism and in a courteous manner with co-workers, other town agencies and the general public. Upon being hired a copy of the Nantucket Lifeguard Program Rules and Regulations will be issued to each individual and these will be followed with no exceptions.
Physical demands:
Must be able to swim long distances in open surf. He/she is expected to run in sand and maintain endurance to cope with saving a human life in strong ocean currents. Daily rigorous workouts require total physical output. Frequent swimmer assists and rescues make the job very active.
Work Environment:
The work environment is a beach area in operation from mid-June to early September. Work is almost totally outdoors. Extremes in temperature are common. Fog, mist and high winds are frequent. Lifeguards are expected to remain on station through these conditions and mild rainstorms.
Important information:
- Transportation to assigned beaches is the sole responsibility of the individual guard
- Town provided housing is not guaranteed
- Daily workouts and drills are mandatory
- Second jobs will never take priority over or interfere with the job of lifeguarding.
- There are no paid sick or vacation days
- Each guard will be scheduled for 40 hours per week
- Questions are to be directed to
[email protected]
