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.
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.
Marine Rescue Employment
Junior Lifeguard Program
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 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 Rescue (SJCFR).
The Marine Rescue Section 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.
The department employs 4 year-round Fire Rescue personnel dedicated to the Marine Rescue response, and approximately 80 seasonal lifeguards during the seasonal months from May to the end of September. Each summer the Marine Rescue Divisions oversees the Junior Lifeguard Program which provides training for children 8-16 years old in topics including water safety and first aid.
Additionally, over 100 SJCFR firefighters have been cross trained to provide skilled response during Marine Rescue incidents. Each of these individuals passed rigorous training and testing to maintain their exceptional skills required to provide lifesaving services in this unpredictable and dangerous environment.
Marine 12
In July 2015, St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) was awarded a Federal Port Security Grant to purchase a new all-hazards rescue and firefighting vessel. SJCFR took possession in August 2016 of a 29′ SAFE Boat hailed as Marine 12 to continue efforts to ensure the waterways of this community are kept safe.
The 29′ SAFE center console is a solid aluminum hull constructed with angled stringers to deflect energy (less stress on the vessel in heavy surf). SAFE is the only manufacturer of foam stabilized watercraft which is an integral part of the safety and durability features this vessel offers. The foam is inherently UV stable, impervious to petroleum products, harsh solvents, and extreme weather conditions. In addition, the vessel is equipped with a HALE APX Max Attack Fire Pump (450 gpm), bow-mounted monitor, 2.5″ connection, and hard suction port. Marine 12 has also been outfitted with state of the art navigation and search and rescue electronics, including; GPS, radar, FUR, sonar, CBRNE monitoring equipment with portable sensors and equipped for Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical response.
Marine 12 is utilized as a rapid response resource for water rescue, EMS emergencies, and marine firefighting efforts on all waterways and nearshore Atlantic waters within St. Johns County.
Marine 12 joins Marine 3 and the departments shallow water boats. With these vessels, it greatly expands and builds upon the Marine Rescue mission of SJCFR and is a great benefit to the citizens and visitors of our community.
