Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the face of danger, the spotlight on Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers has never been brighter.
Emergencies unfold, and with each incident, the urgent need for brave hearts who can navigate, rescue, and protect those in distress amplifies.
But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring rescuer trying to understand the depth of this role,
- A recruitment officer outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the heroic duties of rescue swimming,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s plunge right into it.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Duties and Responsibilities
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers are highly trained professionals specialized in performing daring maritime rescues, often in harsh weather conditions.
They are adept at medical response and are equipped to deal with various emergencies at sea.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Conducting search and rescue operations in various maritime environments
- Performing in-water rescues for survivors in distress
- Providing pre-hospital life support for rescued individuals
- Inspecting, maintaining and repairing rescue equipment
- Performing emergency aircraft egress, surface swims, and survival skills
- Swimming in turbulent water, at night, and in high-sea states
- Participating in flight briefings and debriefings
- Staying in peak physical condition to handle the physical demands of the role
- Assisting in the training of new rescue swimmers
- Coordinating with other emergency services as required
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a highly trained, dedicated, and physically fit individual to serve as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.
Responsibilities include executing search and rescue operations, providing medical aid, and performing a variety of tasks under challenging and often extreme conditions.
Our ideal candidate is a strong swimmer, able to work under pressure, has excellent problem-solving skills and is committed to serving and protecting the public.
Responsibilities
- Perform search and rescue operations in challenging conditions.
- Provide emergency medical aid and survival assistance to individuals in distress.
- Train regularly to maintain physical fitness, swimming skills, and emergency medical response capabilities.
- Operate various rescue equipment and tools efficiently and safely.
- Adhere to Coast Guard regulations and procedures during all operations.
- Collaborate with team members and other emergency services during joint operations.
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a secret security clearance.
- Excellent swimming and diving skills.
- Ability to perform under high-stress and physically demanding situations.
- Previous experience in life-saving, emergency medical response or related field is preferred.
- Ability to complete Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer School.
- Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical and dental coverage
- Retirement plan
- Paid leave and vacation
- Opportunities for career advancement and training
Additional Information
- Job Title: Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
- Work Environment: Varied and often challenging outdoor environments, including open water and high seas.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Commanding Officer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $36,000 minimum to $88,500 maximum
- Location: Various U.S. coastal locations and potentially overseas assignments.
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our Coast Guard. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and proof of your swimming skills to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Do?
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers are a specialized subset of the United States Coast Guard, performing one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs.
Their primary role is to save lives, which involves being dispatched to marine accidents or disasters to rescue people from dangerous or life-threatening situations.
This can include rescuing people from sinking or capsized vessels, stranded on rocks or islands, or caught in severe weather conditions at sea.
Their duties also include providing on-site medical treatment.
After retrieving victims from the water, rescue swimmers often apply first aid or life support measures, such as CPR or basic trauma care, until they can be transported to a medical facility.
Rescue swimmers also perform missions related to national defense or law enforcement, including interdicting smugglers and enforcing maritime laws.
Training and readiness are crucial components of a rescue swimmer’s job.
They regularly participate in rigorous physical training and practice rescue procedures to keep their skills sharp and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
In addition to their rescue duties, Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers often assist in disaster relief operations, providing help to those affected by hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Qualifications and Skills
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers need a combination of physical, technical and soft skills to carry out their tasks effectively, such as:
- Physical fitness and swimming skills: Rescue swimmers must be in excellent physical condition and have exceptional swimming abilities. They need to be capable of swimming for extended periods of time and in all types of water and weather conditions.
- Search and rescue techniques: Proficiency in various search and rescue techniques is crucial for this role. This includes understanding how to handle victims in the water, use rescue equipment, and effectively execute rescue operations.
- Navigation and operational skills: Rescue swimmers need to be competent in operating and navigating both surface and aerial vehicles used in rescue missions. They should also be comfortable working in extreme weather conditions.
- Emergency medical skills: They should have a fundamental knowledge of emergency medical techniques. This includes CPR, first aid, and other lifesaving procedures that may be used during a rescue operation.
- Teamwork and communication skills: Rescue swimmers often work in teams and must be able to communicate effectively under stressful conditions. They should also be able to coordinate with other members of the coast guard and emergency services.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills: Rescue swimmers must be quick thinkers, able to make critical decisions under pressure. They often encounter unpredictable and challenging situations and must be able to adapt accordingly.
- Resilience and mental toughness: The role of a rescue swimmer can be physically challenging and emotionally demanding. Resilience and mental toughness are essential for coping with these challenges and the inherent risks of the job.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Experience Requirements
The role of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is highly specialized, demanding, and requires a substantial amount of training and experience.
Initial experience for this role starts with the completion of 8 weeks basic training, where individuals learn about military structure, customs, and physical fitness.
This provides the fundamentals necessary to embark on a career in the coast guard.
Post basic training, individuals undergo Rescue Swimmer School which lasts about 24 weeks.
Here, potential rescue swimmers get hands-on experience in a controlled environment, learning rescue techniques, survival skills, and emergency medical procedures.
After Rescue Swimmer School, these professionals are often required to serve at least a year in the field, performing emergency rescue and recovery, medical aid, and survival assistance.
They usually gain experience and knowledge in a variety of environments including the open sea, coastal areas, and even in mountainous terrains.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have advanced rescue skills and have developed strong physical and mental resilience, which is essential for this role.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have taken on leadership roles, coordinating rescue efforts, and conducting training for junior members.
They may be considered for higher roles such as Aviation Survival Technician or other supervisory roles within the Coast Guard.
All in all, becoming a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer requires a combination of formal training and real-world experience, along with an unwavering commitment to saving lives.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Education and Training Requirements
To become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, individuals must first complete high school or equivalent education.
This is followed by enrolling in the U.S. Coast Guard where they will complete an eight-week basic training program at Cape May, New Jersey.
Once basic training is completed, candidates are sent to an aviation survival technician or rescue swimmer school.
This rigorous training period lasts for 24 weeks, where they learn about rescue swimmer procedures, emergency medical procedures, and survival skills.
They also undertake extensive physical fitness training.
The selection process for the rescue swimmer school is competitive, and applicants need to pass a physical fitness test, including swimming and running exercises.
Upon successful completion of the training, candidates must then pass an aircrew-candidate physical examination and a class II swimmer physical.
Furthermore, they must complete a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer course that includes both classroom and hands-on training in navigation, communication, aircraft safety, and rescue swimmer operations.
Even after qualifying as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, ongoing training and fitness checks are required to maintain their status.
Many rescue swimmers also pursue additional training in areas such as advanced medical training and different rescue techniques to enhance their skills and competencies.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Salary Expectations
A Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer typically earns an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.
However, this may vary depending on the length of service, rank, and location.
Additional benefits may include housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Job Description FAQs
What physical requirements are needed for a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers must be in excellent physical condition.
They are required to pass a rigorous physical fitness test that includes swimming, running, and strength training exercises.
Candidates must also meet specific vision and hearing standards and possess a high degree of endurance and agility.
What is the training process for a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
The training process for a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is intense and demanding.
It begins with basic training, followed by aviation survival technician “A” school, where candidates learn emergency medical procedures, survival skills, and rescue techniques.
This is followed by an intensive 18-week Rescue Swimmer school where candidates undergo physical conditioning and learn water and aircraft rescue methods.
What qualities make a good Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
A good Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is physically fit, mentally tough, and has a strong sense of duty and dedication to saving lives.
They must be able to remain calm and focused under extreme pressure and challenging conditions.
Good communication skills are also important, as they often work in teams and need to coordinate effectively with others during rescue operations.
Do Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers need any specific certifications or degrees?
While a specific degree is not required to become a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, candidates must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to qualify for the training program.
Additionally, after completing training, Rescue Swimmers receive Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
What are the daily duties of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer?
A Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer’s day-to-day duties may vary depending on their deployment.
However, typical duties include maintaining their physical fitness, training in rescue operations, maintaining and checking rescue equipment, and standing by for search and rescue calls.
They may also be involved in medical evacuations, disaster response, and humanitarian relief missions.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap.
Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about swimming.
It’s about saving lives and providing security, one rescue mission at a time.
With our ready-to-use Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to take the plunge.
But why not go the extra nautical mile?
Dive in further with our job description generator. It’s your next buoy on the way to creating spot-on job listings or refining your resume to sheer excellence.
Don’t forget:
Every rescue mission forms part of a larger purpose.
Let’s safeguard that future. Together.
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