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Chicago Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Lifeguard

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Lifeguard The McCormick YMCA is now hiring lifeguards! Salary starts at $18.00 per hour, flexible scheduling opportunities, and opportunities to grow within the organization. Our staff is the Y ...

Marcus Hotels

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Marcus Hotels

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

The Marcus Corporation

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Marcus Corporation

Lifeguard - Seasonal/OC

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Lifeguard Position at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark Are you ready to make waves, unleash your ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Marcus Hotels

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

The Marcus Corporation

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Hotels

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Lifeguard

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

The McCormick YMCA is now hiring lifeguards!! Salary starts at $18.00 per hour, f lexible scheduling opportunities, and opportunities to grow within the organization Our staff is the Y's greatest ...

Marcus Hotels

Lifeguard - Seasonal/OC

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Lifeguard - Seasonal/OC Are you ready to make waves, unleash your talents, and leave a lasting mark ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Lifeguard - PT

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Part Time Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Marcus Hotels

Lifeguard - Seasonal/OC

Lake Geneva, WI

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

Hotels

Lifeguard - Seasonal/OC

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

As a Lifeguard at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe and ... Just 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, this property is also home to two ...

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All JobsChicago Lifeguard Jobs

Chicago Lifeguard information

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How much do chicago lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for chicago lifeguard in the United States is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago Lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicago Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, first aid and CPR certification, and knowledge of water safety protocols, typically supported by completion of a lifeguard training course. Familiarity with rescue equipment, two-way radios, and incident reporting systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring swimmer safety and coordinating with team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial for preventing accidents, responding rapidly to emergencies, and maintaining a safe environment at Chicago's public beaches and pools.

What is the difference between Chicago Lifeguard vs Chicago Swim Instructor?

AspectChicago LifeguardChicago Swim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPool, beach, aquatic facilitiesSwimming pools, aquatic centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesRescue, safety monitoringTeaching swimming skills

Chicago Lifeguards focus on safety, rescue, and accident prevention in aquatic environments, requiring lifeguard-specific certifications. Chicago Swim Instructors primarily teach swimming techniques and improve water skills, often holding swim instructor certifications. While both roles work in aquatic settings and require CPR and First Aid, their core duties differ: lifeguards prioritize safety and rescue, whereas swim instructors focus on teaching and skill development.

What are Chicago lifeguards?

Chicago lifeguards are trained professionals employed by the Chicago Park District to ensure the safety of swimmers and visitors at the city's public beaches and pools. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring swimming areas, enforcing safety rules, performing rescues, and administering first aid when necessary. Lifeguards must complete certification in lifesaving, CPR, and first aid, and pass physical fitness tests. They play a crucial role in preventing accidents and responding quickly to emergencies, helping to create a safe environment for all patrons.

What are some common challenges Chicago lifeguards face during the summer season?

Chicago lifeguards often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds at popular beaches, dealing with rapidly changing weather conditions on Lake Michigan, and maintaining constant vigilance for swimmer safety. The role requires strong communication and teamwork, as lifeguards must coordinate with colleagues and emergency responders during incidents. Staying physically prepared and alert throughout long shifts is essential, especially during weekends and holidays when beach attendance peaks.
What cities are hiring for Chicago Lifeguard jobs? Cities with the most Chicago Lifeguard job openings:
What states have the most Chicago Lifeguard jobs? States with the most job openings for Chicago Lifeguard jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chicago Lifeguard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chicago Lifeguard jobs are:
Chicago Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chicago Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,387 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Summer Lifeguards (King Club) - $500 Sign-On Bonus! (51062)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

Chicago, IL

$21 - $21.50/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Lifeguard- Summer Opportunity (King Club)

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Club - Chicago, IL 60612

Overview

Salary Range $21.00 - $21.50 Hourly Position Type Part Time Job Shift After School Hours/Summer Hours Education Level High School Travel Percentage Negligible Category Other

Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of members in the aquatics area. In addition, the Lifeguard will demonstrate competency to teach and lead specific skills and activities in the water.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

  • Provide a high-level of customer service to members, program participants and guests at all times
  • Supervise and guard the pool and aquatic facility and ensure participants adhere to all BGCC aquatic guidelines and procedures.
  • Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  • Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
  • Contact emergency medical personal in case of serious injury.
  • Actively participate in obtaining further water safety certifications.
  • Attend all in-service trainings and staff meetings as scheduled by supervisor or center leadership team.
Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must carry current/unexpired American Red Cross certification as well as current First Aid, AED, CPR and Oxygen Administration certifications.
  • Physical mobility to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200 lb. person and meet other physical requirements required for job certification.
  • Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure the safety of all swimmers.
  • Must be physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid effectively.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements based on job description

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

  • Must have reliable, insured private transportation
  • Must pass criminal background check which includes Livescan fingerprints

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ability to pass lifeguard physical prerequisites. Must be able to remain alert and vigilant. Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, providing total coverage of the pool. Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals. Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

While performing the responsibilities of this position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment this position will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

We offer a competitive part-time benefits package that includes generous paid time off, and a retirement plan. Health insurance benefits are not available for this position.

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