The City of Newcastle is on the lookout for high-school aged trainee lifeguards to shadow professionals while they patrol the coast as the weather heats up.
Teens will get the chance to follow a lifeguard during weekday shifts up to 24 hours a week during the summer and school holidays.
It is the fourth year council has contributed to the Hunter Surf Lifesavers under its Trainee Lifeguard program.
Executive manager community and recreation Lynn Duffy said as a growing coastal city it was important that Newcastle continued to build its professional lifeguard team.
"Our Trainee Lifeguard Program offers successful applicants an opportunity to shadow City of Newcastle lifeguards who support the community so they can safely enjoy the city's beaches and ocean baths," Ms Duffy said.
She said the program "offers invaluable mentorship" from professional lifeguards.
Council said since they started the program in 2021, the traineeship had helped kickstart the careers of 13 lifeguards in Newcastle.
Zara Campbell, a 2023/24 trainee and soon-to-be casual lifeguard, said the program gave her insight into what it takes to patrol the city's beaches.
"The work environment was so welcoming which allowed me to make the most of the experience alongside a great team of lifeguards," Ms Campbell said.
"The learning experience was fun, it is a great summer job, and you work alongside great individuals who make a huge contribution towards keeping Newcastle's beaches safe," she said.
On Friday October 11 between 6am and 9am, the City of Newcastle will give the community the opportunity to talk to the team of lifeguards including the 2024 Australian Open Ironman Champion Dan Collins and previous trainees.
"Interested locals will be able to ask questions about water safety, learn about the six-week trainee program and the unique career opportunities within their own backyard," Ms Duffy said.
Applications open Wednesday October 2 and close on Sunday October 20, with successful trainees beginning the program on December 23.
