During the festive and Easter holidays, our coast fills up—families, local youth, travellers, and small businesses all head to the beaches to relax and make a living. Strong waves and changing tides, however, can turn fun into danger within seconds. That’s why Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies at the Mbhashe Local Municipality are so important: lifeguards prevent accidents, educate beachgoers, and save lives when emergencies happen.
Seasonal lifeguarding also creates local jobs. The municipality has committed to hiring 30 temporary lifeguards to cover the busiest periods. If you’re a strong swimmer who wants to serve your community, this could be your opportunity.
Where you’ll work
Successful applicants may be placed at any of the municipality’s guarded beaches between Willowvale and Elliotdale. You should be ready to serve at any site listed below (placement is done by the municipality):
- Qhora Beach — Ward 22, Gatyana
- Mpame Beach — Ward 19, Xhora
- Lubanzi Beach — Ward 19, Xhora
- Mbotlompo Beach — Ward 19, Xhora
- Bulungula Beach — Ward 19, Xhora
- Nkanya Beach — Ward 32, Xhora
- Cwebe Beach — Ward 20, Xhora
- Haven Beach — Ward 20, Xhora
- Dwesa Beach — Ward 29, Gatyana
- Tenza Beach — Ward 22, Gatyana
Note: The municipality will confirm how many days each beach will be guarded before work starts.
Contract period and daily rates
These Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies at the Mbhashe Local Municipality are temporary. You’ll only be called in during peak periods, which are:
- Festive Season 2025 (December–January), and
- Easter Holidays 2026
Remuneration:
- Lifeguard: R400 per day
- Squad Leader: R600 per day
Squad Leaders are experienced lifeguards who coordinate the team on the beach, supervise operations, and help with reporting.
Duties and Responsibilities
Your job is to keep the beach safe. The municipality’s advert lists the following duties:
- Supervise swimmers — Keep eyes on swimmers at all times and enforce safe zones.
- Spot hazards and prevent accidents — Identify rip currents, rocks, and dangerous conditions early.
- Provide advice on water safety — Monitor the waves and warn the public when conditions change.
- Control unruly behaviour — Step in calmly and firmly when crowds are unsafe.
- Administer First Aid and CPR — Help in accidents, injuries, or drowning incidents until more help arrives.
- Guard rescue equipment — Look after municipal life-saving gear to prevent loss or theft.
These tasks require fitness, discipline, teamwork, and respect for the public. You’ll also do regular patrols, keep logs of incidents, and report to your Squad Leader or municipal supervisor.
Requirements
To qualify for the Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies at the Mbhashe Local Municipality, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Read and write (for safety logs, briefings, and signage).
- Be physically fit and able to pass a fitness test.
- Attach proof of residence (municipal letter/affidavit/bill).
- Preference will be given to people living along the Mbhashe coast.
- A Lifeguard Award Certificate from Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) will be an added advantage (if you have one, attach it).
Tip: Even if you don’t have the LSA certificate yet, you can still apply if you meet the other requirements. But being certified boosts your chances and may help you qualify for Squad Leader in future seasons.
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How to apply
Follow these steps carefully to avoid disqualification:
- Get the application form (if any) and prepare your documents.
If there is a standard municipal application form at Reception, fill it in neatly. If not, write a simple cover letter (see sample below). - Prepare certified copies (where relevant):
- ID copy
- Proof of residence (e.g., letter from Ward Councillor, municipal bill, or affidavit)
- Any lifeguard certificates (e.g., LSA Lifeguard Award, First Aid Level 1/2/3 if you have)
- Short CV (2–3 pages) with contact numbers and references
- Write a clear cover letter (1 page):
- Who you are, where you live
- Which position you’re applying for (Lifeguard or Squad Leader)
- Your swimming ability, beach experience, and any lifesaving training
- Your availability for Festive Season 2025 and Easter 2026
- Your contact number(s)
- Submit before the deadline (17 October 2025):
Drop your application in the Human Resource Vacancy Boxes near Reception at one of these offices (choose the closest to you):- Dutywa: 454 Streatfield Street, Dutywa 5000
- Willowvale: Municipal Offices Reception
- Elliotdale: Municipal Offices Reception
- Keep copies and take proof.
Make copies or photograph your application pages. If you can, ask Reception to stamp a copy as proof of submission. - Stay reachable.
Keep your phone on and answer unknown numbers—interview calls often come during office hours.
Also check: The Role of NYDA in Fighting Youth Unemployment
Who to contact for questions
For anything about Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies at the Mbhashe Local Municipality, use the official contact provided in the advert:
- Mr. M. Sibaca (Manager: Economic Development)
- Tel: 047 489 5800 / 047 489 5804
- Cell/WhatsApp: 063 689 0667
- Email: sibacam@mbhashemun.gov.za
If your call doesn’t go through the first time, try again later or send a short WhatsApp/SMS with your full name and the message “Lifeguard Vacancies enquiry”.
These Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies at the Mbhashe Local Municipality are a real chance to earn during the holidays, gain respected experience, and serve your community. Start preparing your documents today, train safely with a buddy, and submit before the deadline. The ocean needs watchful eyes—maybe yours.