Mbhashe Local Municipality, a Category B municipality located in the north-eastern Cape of South Africa, invites applications from suitably qualified, motivated and committed individuals for temporary employment as Seasonal Lifeguards. The municipality comprises the areas of Elliotdale, Willowvale and Dutywa together with surrounding rural communities, operating under the framework of the Municipal Structures Act. Thirty seasonal lifeguard positions are available to provide essential life-saving and beach safety services during peak holiday periods.
The appointment covers the Festive Season of 2026 and the Easter Holidays of 2027. Successful candidates will work only during these designated peak seasons. Exact working days will be confirmed by the municipality prior to the start of employment. The role is temporary and linked strictly to the high-demand periods when visitor numbers at coastal beaches rise significantly.
Seasonal Lifeguard Vacancies 2026/2027
Applications are invited for 30 temporary Seasonal Lifeguard positions to provide beach safety and life-saving services during the Festive Season 2026 and Easter Holidays 2027. Applicants who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
- Position: Seasonal Lifeguards (30 Positions)
- Duration: Festive Season 2026 and Easter Holidays 2027 (Temporary)
- Salary: R400 per day for Lifeguards; R600 per day for Squad Leaders
- Location: Mbhashe coastal beaches, Eastern Cape (Dutywa, Willowvale and Elliotdale areas)
- Closing Date: 6 November 2026 at 16:00
Coastal Beaches under Supervision
Seasonal lifeguards will deliver primary life-rescue and safety services at the following coastal beaches within Mbhashe:
- Qhora Beach – Ward 22 Gatyana
- Tenza Beach – Ward 22 Gatyana
- Mpame Beach – Ward 19 Xhora
- Lubanzi Beach – Ward 19 Xhora
- Mbolompo 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
These beaches attract both local residents and visitors from elsewhere in South Africa and abroad. Consistent presence of trained lifeguards reduces the risk of water-related incidents and supports the broader goal of safe public access to coastal recreational areas.
Remuneration
Daily rates applicable to the positions are structured as follows:
- Lifeguard: R400 per day
- Squad Leader: R600 per day
Payment is linked to days worked during the designated peak periods. Number of working days will be determined by operational requirements set by the municipality.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Possession of a Surf Proficiency Award or Lifeguard Award, together with registration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), constitutes an added advantage.
- Ability to read and write is mandatory.
- Candidates must demonstrate physical fitness and be prepared to undergo physical fitness tests.
- Preference applies to individuals residing along the coast of Mbhashe.
- Proof of residence must accompany the application.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Physical capability forms a core element of the role. Lifeguards operate in outdoor coastal environments that involve prolonged periods of standing or walking on sand, exposure to sun, wind and varying weather conditions, and the capacity to respond rapidly to emergencies. Fitness tests assess swimming ability, strength, endurance and the capacity to perform rescue-related tasks under simulated conditions.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Appointed seasonal lifeguards will promote and maintain the safety of beach users, including day visitors, domestic tourists and international travellers. Primary responsibilities include:
Supervising swimmers across designated beach zones. Continuous visual monitoring of water conditions and bather behaviour enables early identification of individuals in difficulty. Lifeguards maintain elevated observation points or patrol allocated stretches of shoreline to ensure coverage of the entire swimming area under their charge.
Spotting hazards and preventing accidents. Coastal environments present changing risks such as rip currents, sudden drops in water depth, submerged obstacles, strong winds and shifting sandbars. Lifeguards identify these hazards and take proactive steps to warn beach users through verbal instruction, signage or temporary restriction of access to dangerous sections.
Providing advice on water safety, including wave monitoring. Clear, practical guidance is given to members of the public regarding safe entry and exit points, recommended swimming areas, and the meaning of beach flag systems. Monitoring of wave patterns and tidal movements informs decisions about when swimming is advisable or when conditions require temporary closure of sections of beach.
Controlling unruly behaviour among beachgoers. Maintenance of an orderly and respectful environment contributes to overall safety. Lifeguards intervene when necessary to address disruptive conduct that may endanger other users or interfere with emergency response readiness.
Administering first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in cases of accidents or drowning incidents. Rapid response capability is essential. Lifeguards must remain proficient in basic life-support techniques and be prepared to stabilise casualties until advanced medical assistance arrives. Regular readiness checks of first-aid equipment form part of daily routine.
Overseeing and securing municipal life-rescue equipment against loss and theft. Rescue boards, tubes, flotation devices, first-aid kits and communication tools represent critical assets. Lifeguards ensure equipment remains accounted for, properly stored when not in use, and protected from damage or unauthorised removal.
Additional operational tasks may arise according to daily conditions. These can include coordination with other emergency services, participation in briefings at the start and end of shifts, accurate recording of incidents, and support for public awareness activities related to beach safety.
Operational Context and Working Conditions
Peak seasons bring increased numbers of visitors to the listed beaches. Higher volumes of swimmers and non-swimmers raise the likelihood of incidents ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening drowning events. Seasonal lifeguards therefore serve as the first line of prevention and response. The work requires sustained concentration, calm decision-making under pressure, and the ability to communicate clearly with people of different ages and language backgrounds.
Working hours align with daylight periods of peak beach activity and may vary according to tidal conditions, weather forecasts and visitor numbers. Outdoor exposure demands personal responsibility for sun protection, hydration and appropriate footwear and clothing. The municipality determines the precise roster of days once appointments are finalised.
Application Process
Applications must reach the designated municipal offices no later than 16:00 on 6 November 2026. Submission points are:
- Human Resource Vacancy Boxes near Reception, Mbhashe Municipal Offices, 454 Streatfield Street, Dutywa 5000
- Reception, Willowvale Municipal Offices
- Reception, Elliotdale Municipal Offices
Each application should include a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of relevant certificates (including any Surf Proficiency or Lifeguard Awards and SAMSA registration where held), proof of identity, and proof of residential address. Preference for coastal residents will be assessed on the basis of the submitted proof of residence.
Enquiries may be directed to:
- LED Officer: Tourism & Heritage Development – Ms S. Jikicwa
Telephone: 047 489 5800 / 5804 / 063 197 0789
Email: [email protected] - Manager: Economic Development – Mr M. Sibaca
Telephone: 047 489 5800 / 5804 / 063 689 0667
Email: [email protected]
Late applications or incomplete documentation will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which will include physical fitness evaluation.
Contribution to Local Tourism and Community Safety
Safe coastal recreation supports tourism activity within Mbhashe. Visitors who experience well-managed beaches are more likely to return and to recommend the area to others. Seasonal lifeguards therefore play a direct role in protecting both residents and visitors while reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to responsible coastal management. The temporary nature of the positions also creates short-term employment opportunities that coincide with periods of heightened economic activity linked to the holiday seasons.
Candidates who demonstrate reliability, physical capability, sound judgement and a genuine interest in public safety will be well placed for selection. The combination of formal lifeguard qualifications, local knowledge of the coastline and proven fitness will strengthen an application.
All correspondence and documentation should be addressed clearly to the Human Resource Vacancy Boxes at the offices listed above. The closing date of 6 November 2026 at 16:00 is final.
This opportunity offers qualified individuals the chance to contribute to beach safety across ten key coastal sites during two major holiday periods while earning competitive daily rates structured according to role. Interested persons who meet the stated requirements are encouraged to submit complete applications before the deadline.