Ocean City, Maryland, Jobs -- Beach Patrol

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is conducting testing to hire athletic, ambitious and responsible men and women for well-paying full-time employment for the 2009 season in Ocean City, Maryland.

The OCBP, with a staff of more than 180 Surf Rescue Technicians (SRT), is dedicated to ocean rescue and beach safety on the 10.5 miles of ocean beach at Ocean City, Maryland.

The first testing date is Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salisbury University, Maggs Pool, in Salisbury on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Applicants for this test must be age 17 or older. For applicants age 17, a legal guardian must be present during the entire testing.

Preregistration is not required for testing, but it is helpful. To preregister, contact the Ocean City Beach Patrol by e-mail ocbp@ococean.com or telephone, 410-289-7556. Acceptable proof of age will be required.

Ocean/Surf Rescue is significantly more challenging and rewarding that pool or lake guarding. No prior experience or certifications are needed to apply. Rookies who are accepted for employment will receive full, paid training in all aspects of the job at the nine-day Surf Rescue Academy, followed by three weeks of supervised on-the-job probation.

The vigorous physical testing includes swimming, running, and the ability to move an unconscious person weighing 150 pounds. The swimming portion of the testing on Feb. 22 will be at the indoor pool. The running portions of the testing will be outdoors. For full information, including suggestions on how to prepare for the testing, see the OCBP Website at http://www.ococean.com/ocbp and click on the JOBS link.

Surf Rescue Technicians work a 43.5 hour week with days off. Pay during training is $13.25; pay after completion of probation is $14.42. According to the OCBP, a rookie SRT entering the training academy in May and working a normal schedule through the end of September has an earnings potential of about $11,000 for the season.

The OCBP Website will post information on future SRT testing dates and locations. However, it is best to apply as soon as possible, because testing will be suspended after all the positions have been filled. Good luck to all!