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Civilian Rescue Swimmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$35K - $49K/yr

Position requires pre-employment screening for swimming ability, rescue skills, and CPR skills ... NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for this position and if selected, a break in ...

$35K - $49K/yr

Position requires pre-employment screening for swimming ability, rescue skills, and CPR skills ... NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for this position and if selected, a break in ...

Performs rescue work, promptly renders emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as ... Administers swim tests. Schedules use of lanes and pool space for patrons. Instructs patrons on ...

Performs rescue work, promptly renders emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as ... Administers swim tests. Schedules use of lanes and pool space for patrons. Instructs patrons on ...

$35K - $49K/yr

Position requires pre-employment screening for swimming ability, rescue skills, and CPR skills ... NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for this position and if selected, a break in ...

... and civilian employees. This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness ... rescue operation. * Ability to assess and provide instruction on various swimming skills, basic ...

$65K - $75K/yr

... and civilian employees. This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Aquatics ... rescue programs. * Ensures all applicable rules and regulations pertaining to swimming pools and ...

Civilian Rescue Swimmer information

See salary details

$9

$24

$68

How much do civilian rescue swimmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for civilian rescue swimmer in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Civilian Rescue Swimmer job?

A Civilian Rescue Swimmer is a trained professional responsible for water rescues in emergencies. They work for agencies such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, fire departments, maritime organizations, or private rescue services. Their duties include responding to distressed swimmers, assisting in water evacuations, and providing first aid. They must be strong swimmers, trained in lifesaving techniques, and able to operate in various water conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civilian Rescue Swimmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civilian Rescue Swimmer, you need exceptional swimming ability, water safety expertise, and current lifesaving certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard credentials. Familiarity with rescue equipment like flotation devices, rescue boards, and communication radios is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective and safe rescue operations in challenging aquatic environments.

What are the typical working conditions and environments for civilian rescue swimmers?

Civilian rescue swimmers often work at beaches, swimming pools, lakes, or recreational water parks, where they are responsible for monitoring swimmers and responding to water emergencies. The role can involve long periods of vigilance in outdoor or indoor settings, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, requiring alertness and stamina. Teamwork is essential, as rescue swimmers frequently coordinate with other safety personnel, such as lifeguards, emergency medical technicians, or local authorities. Additionally, you may be scheduled for weekends, holidays, or varying shifts to provide coverage during peak times. This dynamic environment provides valuable experience in aquatic safety and can lead to leadership or training roles over time.

More about Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs? The most popular types of Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs are:
What states have the most Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Civilian Rescue Swimmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
RECREATION AID (LIFEGUARD)

$35K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Air Force Materiel Command rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
The primary purpose of this position, Recreation Aid (Lifeguard), NK-0189-01, is to serve as a lifeguard and perform other related swimming facility duties. May act as senior lifeguard at a large swimming facility or the only lifeguard at a smaller one.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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-Monitor activities within assigned swimming areas.
-Rescue and resuscitate individuals in danger of drowning and render first aid to injuries.
-Clean and maintain the swimming facility.
-Perform gate control duties.
-Participate in required in-service training and maintain currency, capability, and certification to perform lifesaving and water rescue, to administer basic first aid and CPR.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide
  • This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • Category rating and selection procedures will be utilized
  • Veterans must submit required documents to receive Veteran's preference
  • Position to be filled through Delegated Examining Authority
  • Must possess a current and valid nationally recognized lifeguard certification covering lifesaving and water rescue methods, skills, and procedures by start date of employment.
  • Must possess a current and valid nationally recognized basic first aid certification by start date of employment.
  • Must possess a current and valid nationally recognized CPR certification which includes adult, child, and infant procedures by start date of employment.
  • Position requires pre-employment screening for swimming ability, rescue skills, and CPR skills.
  • May be required to work other than normal duty hours which may include evening weekends, and/or holidays.
  • May provide advice and guidance (e.g., orientation, lesson plans, etc.) to lower grade lifeguards.
  • The actual work performed in the position has been reviewed and determined that it does not meet any of the exemption criteria defined in 5 CFR 551. This position has been designated as nonexempt.
  • If position is identified as having "regular contact with children" (e.g., youth swim lessons instructor) in accordance with public law, a criminal background check must be completed.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0189, Recreation Aid and Assistant Series.
ONLY EXPERIENCE OBTAINED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: You must be willing/able to learn and complete the duties of a recreation aid including, providing fitness and recreational opportunities to enhance force readiness and promote a healthy lifestyle for all assigned military, civilian personnel, and their family members while maintaining established standards.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of a variety of lifesaving, first aid, CPR, water safety instruction, and associated techniques and procedures as would be acquired through previous experience.
2. Knowledge of a variety of swimming facility rules, work procedures, equipment, and materials to perform standing recurring tasks, and special tasks such as providing swimming lessons under specific instructions from the supervisor.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, orally.
4. Demonstrated current physical ability to swim to and rescue swimmers of all age groups up to and including adult and to administer CPR to adults, children, and infants.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional Information:
Participation in required in-service training and maintenance of physical capabilities to perform rescues throughout the period of employment are conditions of employment for this position. All certifications must remain current during the period of employment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: THESE POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED TEMPORARY NOT TO EXCEED 30-SEP-2026. A temporary appointment does not confer eligibility for noncompetitive movement to other positions or for reappointment after separation from employment. If you are an employee on a temporary appointment (appointment limited to one year or less); and you are expected to work 130 hours per month and for at least 90 days, you are eligible to enroll in Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) with a full government contribution, provided you are not covered under the Part-time Career Act. Temporary employees are not eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan. NOTE: Current federal civilian employees may apply for this position and if selected, a break in service of at least 3 days may be required prior to appointment to this position.
INCUMBENT MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL SECURITY CLEARANCE AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Some physical exertion required in effecting a swimming rescue. Must be able to lift and carry 45 pounds and over with assistance. Much of the time is spent sitting, standing, or walking; however, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, or reaching is required. NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES A PRE-EMPLOYMENT PHYSICAL.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Involves long periods of exposure to summer sun and chlorinated water.
AGE REQUIREMENT: (1) Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, OR (2) at least 16 years of age AND (a) have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) be currently enrolled in a secondary school and work ONLY during school vacation periods.
IF YOU ARE YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE AND ARE APPLYING FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER ONE OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS, YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF THAT YOU MEET ONE OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA AT THE TIME YOU APPLY. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
Education
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This is an acquisition demonstration project position NK-01 equivalent to a GS-01 to GS-04.
Applications will be accepted from United States citizens (U.S. citizenship required at time of application).
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.
For information on veteran's preference click here.
Additional information
THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN AMENDED TO CLOSE ON 9-JUN-2026.
A list of eligible candidates is being established and may be used to fill multiple vacancies for a period of 6 months (or more).
Due to an urgent need to fill a position immediately, this job opportunity announcement will use an initial cut-off date of 27-APR-2026 to begin initial applicant consideration and applications received after the cut-off date of 27-APR-2026 will be considered if needed.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated in the "Highly Qualified" or "Best Qualified" Category on the rating criteria for this vacancy. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition. Additionally, if you are serving on a term appointment in the competitive service, you may be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition. NOTE: Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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