Marine Rescue

Announcements

Become an Ocean Lifeguard! St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) to hold annual seasonal lifeguard tryouts for the 2023 beach season. We are in need of highly motivated and qualified personnel to help staff our beaches this summer. Details about the seasonal hiring process are on the Employment page.

About Us

Since 1933, St. Johns County has been providing superior lifesaving services on the county's beaches to residents and visitors alike. Today, St. Johns County Marine Rescue is a part of St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Department. The Marine Rescue Section is an Advanced Certified Agency through the United States Lifesaving Association.

The department employs 4 year-round Fire/Rescue personnel assigned to Marine Rescue, and approximately 80 seasonal lifeguard staff members. St. Johns County Marine Rescue employs seasonal staff during the summer months from May to the end of September.

In addition, we work with 20 firefighters who have cross trained to work at Marine Rescue incidents. The individuals who make up St. Johns County Fire/Rescue and Marine Rescue provide technical water rescue and lifeguard services to the entire 42 ocean front miles, as well as the 216 square miles of inland water that constitutes St. Johns County.

Beach Safety
Beach Safety is Everyone’s Concern. Knowing how to stay safe on the beach and in the water can save lives. Check out our beach safety page for information, and also learn about rip currents, the strong, fast-moving, channels of water that move from the shore seaward. 

Employment
St. Johns County Marine Rescue employs seasonal staff during the summer months from May to the end of September. Individuals wishing to work with Marine Rescue should attend one of the informational Orientation Meetings at the St. Augustine Pier Marine Rescue Office. For more information about orientations, please contact Marine Rescue (904) 209-0340.

Jr. Lifeguard Program
The purpose of the St. Johns County Junior Lifeguard Program is to increase self-confidence and promote safe behavior in the aquatic environment. Throughout the course students will acquire a wide range of skills including first-aid, CPR and rescue techniques. Safety is our primary consideration and each student will be challenged to have fun, become more confident in the water, and learn respect for themselves and each other.

For more information, please contact Eric Hellstrom, Marine Rescue at (904) 209-0336 ext. 4734, option #2, or ehellstrom@sjcfl.us.