Marine Rescue
Overview
Marine Rescue is recognized as an Advanced Certified Agency through the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). St. Johns County Fire Rescue and Marine Rescue provides technical water rescue and lifeguard services to the entire 42 ocean front miles, as well as the 216 square miles of inland waterways within St. Johns County.
Announcements
Become an Ocean Lifeguard! St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) to hold annual seasonal lifeguard tryouts for the 2024 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.
Beach Safety is Everyone’s Concern. Knowing how to stay safe on the beach and in the water can save lives. Learn about rip currents, the strong, fast-moving, channels of water that move from the shore seaward.
Beach Safety
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.
Marine Rescue Employment
The St. Johns County Junior Lifeguard program is open to individuals 9-16 years old. Certified Open Water Lifeguards teach water safety education in an environment that is fun while building teamwork, physical conditioning and respect for each other and the environment.
Junior Lifeguard ProgramLearn more about Marine Rescue
About Marine Rescue
Since 1933, St. Johns County has provided superior lifesaving services on its beaches. Today, St. Johns County Marine Rescue is part of St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) and is recognized as an Advanced Certified Agency by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA).
The department employs 4 year-round Fire Rescue personnel and around 80 seasonal lifeguards from May to September. Each summer, the Marine Rescue Division oversees the Junior Lifeguard Program for children aged 8-16, offering training in water safety and first aid.
Over 100 SJCFR firefighters are cross-trained for Marine Rescue incidents, having passed rigorous training and testing to ensure exceptional lifesaving skills in this challenging environment. The Marine Rescue team provides technical water rescue and lifeguard services across 42 oceanfront miles and 216 square miles of inland waterways in St. Johns County.
Marine 12
In July 2015, St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) received a Federal Port Security Grant to purchase a new all-hazards rescue and firefighting vessel. In August 2016, SJCFR acquired the 29′ SAFE Boat, named Marine 12, to enhance the safety of the community’s waterways.
The 29′ SAFE Boat features a solid aluminum hull with angled stringers for durability in heavy surf, and is the only foam-stabilized watercraft on the market, offering exceptional safety and durability. It includes a HALE APX Max Attack Fire Pump (450 gpm), bow-mounted monitor, and advanced navigation and search-and-rescue electronics such as GPS, radar, sonar, and CBRNE monitoring equipment. Marine 12 is also equipped for Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical response.
Marine 12 serves as a rapid response resource for water rescues, EMS emergencies, and marine firefighting efforts in St. Johns County’s waterways and nearshore Atlantic waters. It joins Marine 3 and other shallow water boats, significantly enhancing SJCFR’s Marine Rescue mission for the benefit of residents and visitors.
