OCEANO - The California Department of Parks and Recreation held its annual requalification and new hire swim at Oceano Dunes near Pismo Beach on March 14, 2015.   The swim was one of many held throughout the State as candidates for summer lifeguard positions at State beaches put their strength and endurance to the test.

"This is where returning seasonal lifeguards and new hopefuls show they have the right stuff, " said CSLEA's Bernadette Gonzalez.  "They are all in great physical shape and those who make it through the rehiring or hiring process will be protecting visitors at our State beaches. "

Each candidate must swim 1,000 yards within 20 minutes and then complete a 200-yard run, immediately followed by a 400-yard swim, immediately followed by another 200-yard run within 10 minutes. 

Qualifications have been held at Huntington Beach, Half Moon Bay, Silver Strand, Gaviota and Oceano State Beaches.   Another qualification event is scheduled for March 21, 2015 in Monterey.  Qualified candidates have a chance to advance to the state parks lifeguard training which is an 80 hour program that includes CPR training, first aid, lifesaving and search and rescue skills.

Oceano Dunes is unique in  that it is the only California State Park where vehicles may be driven on the beach.