The Lifeguard Battalion Chief organizes, directs, coordinates and supervises all activities of a Fire Department lifeguard shift or the Lifeguard Training Section. The Lifeguard Battalion Chief is considered a first-level manager and the top-level position in the Lifeguard Management classification series of Lifeguard Officer, Lifeguard Captain, Lifeguard Captain - Boat Supervisor, and Lifeguard Battalion Chief. Employees at this level possess a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures, life safety practices in the open water environment, basic life support, emergency service training and education methodology, principles of leadership and management, principles of employee development and evaluation, employee discipline and documentation, and public service principles and practices.

The Lifeguard Captain supervises regular and seasonal lifeguard personnel in the performance of rescue and accident prevention activities in the beach and open water environment. The Lifeguard Captain is considered a first-line supervisor and a mid-level position in the Lifeguard Management classification series of Lifeguard Officer, Lifeguard Captain, Lifeguard Captain – Boat Supervisor, and Lifeguard Battalion Chief. Employees at this level possess a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures, life safety practices in the beach and open water environment, basic life support, emergency service training and education methodology, principles of employee supervision, development and evaluation, employee discipline and documentation, and public service principles and practices.

The Lifeguard Officer patrols beach and ocean areas from an assigned patrol vehicle or vessel and performs rescue and accident prevention activities in the beach and open water environment. The Lifeguard Officer provides technical direction to Seasonal Lifeguard personnel in an assigned beach area. The Lifeguard Officer may be assigned to perform special division activities, such as lifeguard dispatcher, boat operator, CPR in the Schools Coordinator, or assistant Junior Lifeguard program coordinator. The Lifeguard Officer is the entry-level position in the Lifeguard Management classification series of Lifeguard Officer, Lifeguard Captain, Lifeguard Captain - Boat Supervisor, and Lifeguard Battalion Chief. Employees at this level possess a thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures, life safety practices in the beach and open water environment, basic life support, and public service principles and practices.