Ocean Rescue 2026

We are on the hunt for vibrant go-getters ready to join us for 2026 for a summer of learning, fun, and impact!

The Town of Kitty Hawk is on the lookout for passionate Ocean Rescue guards to be our beach-loving ambassadors!  You will be the lifeguards of fun and safety for our awesome citizens and the hordes of beachgoers flocking to the Outer Banks’ finest sandy paradise.  While we prefer guards to be 18 and older, if you are younger and can impress us with your skills, we are excited to talk to you!

Did you know our beach snagged the number two spot from PlanetWare out of 11 Outer Banks Beaches?

Pay starts at a cool $20.50 per hour for fresh recruits.  If you are a seasoned pro or a returning guard, we offer extra incentives available!  Your hourly rate will be determined after all incentives have been applied!

We have limited dorm-like housing available for Ocean Rescue at only $50.00 per week via payroll deduction.  Housing is offered at the Fire House as well as our Kitty Hawk Housing Cottage, all located just a few minutes from the beach. 

What to expect in this role:

Get ready to dive into an epic role!  Picture yourself monitoring the beach, soaking up the sun, and teaming up with a squad of fire and rescue superstars and skilled lifeguards.  We hustle hard and train even harder to keep our game strong from day one!

Your adventure begins with scheduled shifts from 10 am to 6 pm daily, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Flexibility is key, as you will need to be ready to rock any day of the week.  Plus, get pumped for mandatory training sessions twice a week all summer long! 

Minimum Tested Requirements:

• Swim like a fish: 500 meters in 10 minutes or less
• Run a mile in under 10 minutes

So, if you are ready to level up, we highly suggest gearing up for some serious training to crush those requirements!

Our Training Academy is scheduled for May 11-22, 2026, in Kitty Hawk.  Attendance is mandatory.

• Get ready to dive in, the academy kicks off with the epic qualifying swim/run test!
• Paid training for Red Cross Emergency Responder (EMR), Advanced Agency USLA Training, and VFIS Emergency Services ATV/UTV Safety Program during this academy!
• You will be teaming up with our amazing fire crew, working side by side with them all season long

A day in the life of a Kitty Hawk Lifeguard

• First things first, become the fabulous Kitty Hawk beach ambassador, rolling out the red carpet for all our sun-seeking citizens and visitors.
• Keep an eagle eye on the beachgoers and swimmers, safety first, fun second!
• Patrol our beach on one of our ATVs, making sure no grain of sand goes unmonitored!
• Jump into action with EMS assistance whenever our visitors need a helping hand!
• Team up with fellow lifeguards during rescue missions, because teamwork makes the dream work!
• Join forces with the Kitty Hawk Fire Rescue crew and our Dare County Safety pals to deliver top-notch service!

What can you bring to this role?

• A boatload of energy and a splash of enthusiasm!
• We want die-hard beach and outdoor enthusiasts!
• Communication skills that could charm a seagull!
• Quick thinkers who can surf the waves of training like pros!
• A deep respect for our ocean playground and sandy shores!

Check out what Lifeguard Competition looks like in the Outer Banks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbjQ8l53a0w&t=3s           

Special Requirements

This position requires the possession of a current driver’s license, which is valid in the State of North Carolina. 

What to expect from the process:

All interested candidates are asked to complete the employment application on the Town of Kitty Hawk website:

https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/town-jobs/

Click on the Town Employment Application.  Please complete the employment application and send it to [email protected]

Please note that selected candidates will be required to undergo a background check, including State of North Carolina fingerprinting through the State Bureau of Investigation, as well as physical and drug screening as conditions of employment. Following a conditional offer, candidates will receive guidance on the fingerprinting process.