Ask The Mayor: How Can I Become a Kīhei Lifeguard?

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his staff.

Q: I was just curious if there were any upcoming lifeguarding jobs in the Kīhei area? I am certified and am looking! I wasn’t sure the best place to look or ask so was hoping you could help!

A: Mahalo for your question and I’d be more than happy to assist you. I’m very happy to see you are interested in working as a lifeguard in Maui County, especially for our Kīhei visitors and residents.

Maui County Ocean Safety, a division of the Maui Fire Department, hires roughly two lifeguards, or Ocean Safety Officers, each year depending on need. Right now, the division is in the process of filling four positions.

Applicants need to be 17 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED. Before selection, applicants will be interviewed and given a Civil Service written exam. They also will take a physical test comprised of swimming, paddling and running.

Training lasts six weeks where recruits will learn lifeguard skills and knowledge. Another two weeks are dedicated to earning an emergency medical responder certification. New lifeguard graduates also earn CPR and ocean lifeguard certifications, as well as other skills and abilities.

While I am excited to see people interested in lifeguarding jobs, I cannot promise that you will be stationed in Kīhei.

New hires are assigned to existing vacancies found within the nine beaches the county guards. Typically, the best performing new lifeguard may be offered a preference of assignment.

To apply for Ocean Safety Officer jobs, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Maui

In other lifeguard matters, I’m eager to announce that keiki can now send their applications to the Ocean Safety division for the summer junior lifeguard program. The program is open to ages 12 to 17 and will take place in north, south and west districts.

Registration is open until April 26 and spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. New participants need a copy of their birth certificates and must also pass a swim assessment, unless they are part of a swim club or school team.

For more information or to register, visit mauicounty.gov/1565/Junior-Lifeguard-­Program or contact Kekai Brown at 757-4318 or [email protected].

Here at the county, we are always looking for dedicated and hard-working lifeguards who are often the unsung heroes of our community. Every Maui County lifeguard is trained above and beyond the United States Lifesaving Association certification – an accomplishment our county takes great pride in.

I hope to see you patrolling our beaches and keeping our county safe for years to come. Mahalo!

Want to ask the Mayor? 

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at [email protected], by phone at (808) 270-7855 or via mail to 200 S. High Street, ninth floor, Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793.

Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.