City of Cape Town looking for 600 lifeguards: Apply HERE
· The South African
The City of Cape Town has officially launched its recruitment drive for seasonal lifeguards ahead of the upcoming summer season, while major upgrades at several public swimming pools continue to prepare for safer and more accessible recreational spaces.
More than 600 seasonal lifeguards are expected to be appointed and deployed to designated beaches and public swimming pools across the metro from late September until about mid-April.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.org for more information.
Lowest numbers of drownings in seven years
The recruitment process follows a successful 2025/26 summer season, which recorded the lowest number of fatal drownings in Cape Town in seven years – a milestone city officials partly attribute to lifeguards’ role in preventing water-related incidents.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said lifeguards remain a critical part of Cape Town’s water safety efforts.
“Our lifeguards play a vital role in helping keep bathers safe every summer. They are often first on the scene when emergencies happen and their work saves lives,” Higham said.
“Cape Town’s beaches and swimming pools are extremely popular and while we take water safety very seriously, it is a shared responsibility. For many young people, becoming a lifeguard is also an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while serving their communities.”
Strict criteria
The City offers four categories of seasonal lifeguard positions: beach lifeguard, senior beach lifeguard, pool lifeguard and senior pool lifeguard.
Applicants are required to meet strict criteria, including possessing the necessary qualifications, having a clear criminal record, no pending legal cases, and passing drug screening and physical assessments.
Beach lifeguard applicants must complete a 400-metre swim test in under eight minutes and demonstrate rescue and first aid competencies, while pool lifeguard applicants are required to complete a 100-metre swim test in under two minutes, alongside rescue and first aid evaluations.
Higham encouraged suitably qualified residents with a passion for public safety to apply.
Recruitment comes as the City continues extensive maintenance and upgrade work at public swimming pools to ensure facilities are ready for increased summer demand.
Refurbishment projects
Several pools are undergoing major construction and refurbishment projects scheduled for completion by the end of June.
At Delft, Lentegeur and Langa swimming pools, upgrades focus on structural, civil, mechanical and reticulation improvements.
Bellville South and Goodwood swimming pools are receiving upgrades to reticulation systems as well as repairs to mechanical plants.
Upgrades
Meanwhile, Manenberg swimming pool is nearing completion of structural upgrades and minor mechanical repairs, while Newlands swimming pool has already undergone upgrades to its floodlights and mechanical systems ahead of the new season.
“Our swimming pools are important community spaces where residents can exercise, cool off, learn to swim and socialise,” said Higham.
“Ongoing upgrades and maintenance are essential to keeping these facilities safe, while improving water sustainability, reducing operating costs, and ensuring communities continue to have access to quality recreational facilities.”
Residents interested in applying for seasonal lifeguard positions can do so through the City’s website.
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