County of Los Angeles

  Department of Parks & Recreation

Lake Lifeguard Services

Bonelli Park - Castaic Lake - Santa Fe Dam

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2009

Thank you for taking and passing the Lake Lifeguard swim test!  If you have successfully passed a Lake Lifeguard Swim test in October 2008, or in February 2009, then there are a few more steps needed to continue your application process.   

1. Fingerprinting: If for some reason you were not fingerprinted on the day of the exam, you need to call (626) 369-5646 and make an appointment.

2. Physical Exam: Call and make an appointment at one of the clinics listed below.  You must complete your physical exam before April 17th to be eligible for the Training Academy.

3. Contact Tina Crutchfield in the personnel office at 213/738-2995 or via e-mail at tcrutchfield@parks.lacounty.gov and let her know of your appointment date and time.  You will not be allowed to take the physical exam unless you confirm your appointment with her prior. 

4. If you under the age of 18, you must bring a parent or guardian with you to your appointment. (You will be turned away if you show up to your appointment without a parent if you are not 18 years old.)

5. Show up to your appointment on time with a picture identification and wear comfortable clothing

6. Please give the clinic 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend your appointment and make sure you reschedule a new date ant time.  Notify Tina Crutchfield of any appointment changes.

7. Once you have passed your medical exam. Contact one of the following divisions, depending on which area of the county you plan to work, and state that you passed your physical.
• East County 909/599-8411 x2010 (Bonelli and Santa Fe Dam) email: jhughes@parks.lacounty.gov
• North County 661/257-4050 x239 (Castaic Lake) email: rsearcy@parks.lacounty.gov

The Training Academy

The Lake Lifeguard Training Academy will take place on the following dates & times:

Santa Fe Dam & Bonelli Park Academy

On the first day, please report to:  Frank G Bonelli Regional Park, 120 E. Via Verde Dr. San Dimas, CA 91773 At: the Lifeguard Training Center (See attached map)

For Bonelli/Santa Fe Training Academy questions please call (909) 394-1179

Castaic Lake Academy

On the first day, please report to:  Castaic Lake Recreation Area, 32132 Castaic Lake Dr. Castaic, CA 91384 At: the Boating Instruction & Safety Center (BISC)

For Castaic Lake Training Academy questions please call (661) 257-4050 ex 239

The training is approximately 100 hours and will include:

• First Aid/CPR
• Open water lifesaving: swim beach surveillance and rescue
• Rescue boat operations
• Radio Communications
• Physical agility (running, swimming, underwater free diving, etc.)

Upon successful completion of the physical exam, background check and Training Academy, you will be placed on a hiring list.  Your position on the list will be based on a compilation of your physical and written test scores from the academy as well as your original swim test time.

Please bring the following items and materials:

            * Speedo-style swim suit for men, one-piece competition swim suit for women

            * Towel          * Black pen and pencil        * Notebook   * Sweats       * Sack lunch            

* Sunscreen    * Backpack or duffel bag to carry all of the above items  * Plain white T-shirt

* Mask, fins & Snorkel    * Solid navy blue gym shorts

All body piercing, earrings, etc. will need to be removed during the academy.  Tattoos determined to be offensive must be covered with a bandage.  All candidates are expected to arrive neatly groomed, men clean shaven, women's hair in a ponytail if it extends over the collar.

Shifts at the three lakes will be filled as needed.  Generally, all applicants who make it on the hiring list are hired!

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the Los Angeles County Lake Lifeguards