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Civilian Rescue Swimmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Civilian Rescue Swimmer information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$67

How much do civilian rescue swimmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for civilian rescue swimmer in California is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a civilian rescue swimmer?

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 as a civilian rescue swimmer?

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.

How do I become a civilian rescue swimmer?

To become a civilian rescue swimmer, candidates typically need to pass physical fitness tests, complete specialized rescue training, and obtain certifications such as CPR and first aid. Training programs often include water rescue techniques, swimming proficiency, and safety procedures, and candidates should have strong swimming skills and comfort in water environments.

How much do civilian rescue swimmers get paid?

Civilian rescue swimmers typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Certifications in water rescue and swimming skills can influence salary levels, and many work in environments such as beaches, lakes, or rescue organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California?

For Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Civilian Rescue Swimmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,785 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

LIFEGUARD NF2 (SWIM INSTRUCTOR)

U.S. Marine Corps

Twentynine Palms, CA • On-site

$21.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Summary
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team! MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community. We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.
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Duties
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Protects patrons from hazardous conditions by ensuring that safety and pool rules and regulations are enforced. Supervises patrons for safety and crowd control. Performs rescue work, promptly renders emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as necessary. Performs water and land rescues equal to the standard of training when a water emergency is taking place (e.g. drowning, medical or trauma in the water). Manages respiratory and cardiac emergencies to include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bag-valve-mask resuscitation, or automatic external defibrillation (AED). Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment such as specialized kits and rescue bags, backboards, head immobilizers suction devices, splints, stretchers, oxygen delivery systems, and monitoring equipment. Controls external bleeding with direct pressure and treats shock. Splints and immobilizes fractures and dislocations for transport. Attempts to ascertain whether the patron has preexisting medical problems and to obtain critical medical history from the patron.
Teaches various swimming skills and water safety, for all age groups. Prepares material for classes being taught. Ensures the safety of all patrons in the class.
May perform the duties of teaching basic lifeguarding and emergency care skills.
Promptly reports safety hazards to supervisor. Completes incident reports and assists in maintaining routine documents and reports. Ensures proper disposal of medical waste and potentially infectious materials. Responsible for the cleanliness of the buildings and grounds at the pool areas. Responsible for vacuuming, skimming, and routine pool maintenance. May operate water pumps and add chemical additives to ensure pool water meets specified standards, when certification permits. May apply disinfectant to showers, floors, and decks. May check I.D. cards for authorized patrons and collect usage fees, if applicable.
Administers swim tests. Schedules use of lanes and pool space for patrons. Instructs patrons on proper swimming pool etiquette and techniques. Responsible for conducting opening and closing procedures of the facility.
Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a professional and friendly manner. Takes action to solve problems quickly. Alerts the higher-level supervisor or proper point of contact for help when problems arise. Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards, and any injury, occupational illness, and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor. Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.
Performs other related duties as assigned. This is a mixed position where the incumbent must be able to lift and carry objects up to 45lbs independently and objects over 45lbs with assistance is required, while performing normal duties in the area. May perform work that poses physical demands beyond normal requirements during rescue. Work may be performed in settings where exposure to moderate discomforts, high temperatures, and/or adverse weather conditions exist.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • See Duties and Qualifications

EVALUATIONS:
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: One year experience as a pool lifeguard and swim instructor preferred. Possess current nationally recognized certifications: Lifeguard training, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent, Standard First Aid or equivalent, Water Safety Instructor or equivalent in accordance with Marine Corps Order 1700.39 Ch.10. If required to instruct Lifeguard courses, must be able to obtain Lifeguard Instructor certification or equivalent prior to conducting the course. Ability to use and perform maintenance of pool equipment. Understanding of and the ability to enforce rigid safety regulations to ensure maximum protection of swimmers. Ability to use equipment to take pool readings. Must be able to pass an initial and recurrent physical ability test.
Must be at least 16 years old. Instructors under the age of 18 may provide water safety instruction to children under 18 years of age as long as a parent or guardian is present during the period of instruction, or Line of Sight Supervision is provided by another employee with an adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries and State Criminal History Repository Check (CNACI).
Individuals who are 18 years old, or older must be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries and State Criminal History Repository Check (CNACI) background checks OR may provide water safety instruction to children under 18 years of age as long as a parent or guardian is present during the period of instruction, or Line of Sight Supervision is provided by another employee with an adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries and State Criminal History Repository Check (CNACI).
Additional information
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your MCCS user account and review your application status.
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION: If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, government employment requires that you must register with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions. You must be able to show proof of registration or your exemption, as part of the required suitability background investigation.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex, GINA, political affiliation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, physical handicap which has no bearing on the ability to perform the duties of the position. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
It is Department of Navy (DON) policy to provide a workplace free of discrimination and retaliation. The DON No Fear Act policy link is provided for your review: https://www.donhr.navy.mil/NoFearAct.asp.
As part of the employment process, Human Resources Division may obtain a Criminal Record Check and/or an Investigative Consumer Report. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). For all positions requiring access to firearms or ammunition, the Federal Government is prohibited from employing individuals in these positions who have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or a felony crime of domestic violence adjudged on or after 27 November 2002. Selectees for such positions must submit a completed DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition, before a final job offer can be made.
Direct Deposit of total NET pay is mandatory as a condition of employment for all appointments to positions within MCCS.
This activity is a Drug-free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Marines, sailors, and their family members have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.
Involuntarily separated members of the armed forces and eligible family members applying through the Transition Assistance Program must submit a written request/statement (may be obtained from the MCCS Human Resources Office) and present ID card with "TA" stamped in red on front of card.
IF APPLICABLE, INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE CHANGED TO PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME AT MANAGEMENTS DISCRETION WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.
ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 1159PM EASTERN TIME (ET) ON THE CLOSING DATE LISTED IN THE JOB POSTING.
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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.
The Federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees. Benefits you get to enjoy while working at MCCS include but are not limited to:
• Stability of Federal Civilian Service
• People with passion for doing work that matters
• Quality of Work Life Balance
• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Benefit Packages
• Marine Corps Exchange and Base Facility Privileges
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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.