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Chicago Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Marcus Corporation

Lifeguard

Lake Geneva, WI · On-site

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 ...

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Chicago Lifeguard information

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How much do chicago lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

How much do Chicago lifeguards get paid?

Chicago lifeguards typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific park district. They may also receive additional benefits such as training, uniforms, and seasonal bonuses. Pay rates can vary based on the location and the level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago lifeguard?

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 is a Chicago lifeguard?

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.

How old do you have to be to be a Chicago lifeguard?

To be a Chicago lifeguard, applicants must typically be at least 16 years old and have a valid lifeguard certification. Additional requirements may include passing a swim test and background check, and being able to work during summer months and weekends.

Where do Chicago Lifeguards make the most money?

Chicago lifeguards typically earn higher wages at beaches with higher visitor traffic and larger facilities, such as North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities like supervising or training new guards.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,387 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Indoor Fall/Winter - Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Arlington Heights Park District

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Arlington Heights Park District rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

247th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Arlington Heights Park District is now recruiting lifeguards and swim instructors for the 2026-27 indoor season! The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for patrolling the community pool to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its patrons and for conducting swimming lessons for children and/or adults.


Please note that as part of the interview process, applicants will perform skills in the pool (200 yard swim, 2 minute tread, brick retrieval from bottom of pool) Candidates that successfully complete their skill screening will select a certification offering.


Salary: $17/Hr.


Lifeguard/Swim Instructor - Job Description


Essential Job Duties

  • Teaches swim classes in accordance with the Park District's instructional swimming program
  • Supervises swimmers in assigned area of pool during public use
  • Enforces pool rules, prevents accidents and maintains discipline
  • Assists the Lesson Coordinator with inserting or removing lap lines and bringing equipment to the pool area
  • Performs first aid technique and rescue procedures, as necessary
  • Performs basic maintenance in pool area and locker rooms to ensure a safe and clean environment
  • Reports any irregular discipline, safety or maintenance problems to the Pool Manager or Lesson Coordinator
  • Participates in rescue drills, first aid reviews, instructional clinics and other skill development activities
  • Maintains a current lifeguard certification
  • Attends required trainings and meetings
  • Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the employee handbook
  • Maintains a clean and organized work environment
  • Additional functions as assigned which may be considered essential


Skills and Qualifications

  • High school student, high school graduate or G.E.D.
  • Minimum age of 15 is required
  • Valid work permit is required, if under age 16
  • Or, any equivalent combination of education, experience and training
  • National Pool and Water Park Lifeguarding Certification, or equivalent
  • CPR (Infant, Child and Adult), AED Certification


Part-Time Wages


BENEFITS WE OFFER

  • PTAC Membership to ARC
  • Discounts on some programming
  • KinderCare Discount


AHPD OVERVIEW

The Arlington Heights Park District (AHPD) is a public park and recreation agency located in Arlington Heights, Illinois-one of the largest communities in Chicago's prestigious northwest suburban corridor. Our mission is to enrich the community by providing fun, accessible and impactful recreation and facilities for every age and season. However, you choose to recreate, we have something for you. We aim to serve everyone equally and fairly across our 29 facilities-including five community centers with outdoor pools, Arlington Ridge Center, two tennis clubs, two public golf clubs, Lake Arlington, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Senior Center-and 58 parks across 716 acres of land. In our 95-year history, we have earned multiple distinctions recognizing our high-quality standards of excellence, including three National Gold Medal Awards, maintaining a Moody's AAA bond rating for nine years, and receiving multiple awards for fiscal responsibility.

The Arlington Heights Park District commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a mutually respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment.




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