A professional who patrols public beach area to monitor activities of swimmers and prevent illegal conduct. Respnsibilities include:

• Observes activities in assigned area on foot, in vehicle, or from tower or headquarters building with binoculars to detect hazardous conditions, such as swimmers in distress, disturbances, or safety infractions.
• Cautions people against use of unsafe beach areas or illegal conduct, such as drinking or fighting, using megaphone.
• Rescues distressed persons from ocean or adjacent cliffs, using rescue techniques and equipment.
• Examines injured individuals, administers first aid, and monitors vital signs, utilizing training, antiseptics, bandages, and instruments, such as stethoscope and sphygmomanometer.
• Administers artificial respiration, utilizing cardiopulmonary or mouth-to-mouth methods, or provides oxygen to revive persons.
• Compiles emergency and medical treatment report forms and maintains daily information on weather and beach conditions.
• Occasionally operates switchboard or two-way radio system to maintain contact and coordinate activities between emergency rescue units.