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Civilian Rescue Swimmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Civilian Rescue Swimmer information

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$9

$24

$68

How much do civilian rescue swimmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 the fail rate for rescue swimmer?

Rescue swimmer programs typically have a low failure or dropout rate, often around 10-15%, due to the rigorous physical and technical training required. The job involves high-risk rescue operations, and candidates must pass demanding physical tests and certifications to succeed in the role.

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.

How do I become a rescue swimmer?

To become a civilian rescue swimmer, candidates typically need to complete specialized training in water rescue techniques, swimming, and first aid, often through agencies like the Coast Guard or similar organizations. Certification in CPR and lifeguarding is usually required, along with passing physical fitness tests and swimming assessments. Continuous training and maintaining physical fitness are essential for this demanding role.

How hard is it to be an AST?

Becoming a Civilian Rescue Swimmer, or AST, requires completing rigorous physical training, including swimming, endurance, and rescue skills, along with certifications such as lifeguard and rescue swimmer certifications. The training is physically demanding and tests mental resilience, often lasting several weeks to months. Success depends on fitness level, dedication, and the ability to perform under pressure.

How much money do rescue swimmers make?

Rescue swimmers, such as civilian rescue swimmers, typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employing organization. Certifications in water rescue and swimming skills can influence salary levels, and some may receive additional pay for hazardous conditions or overtime.

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:
What job categories do people searching Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civilian Rescue Swimmer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Civilian Rescue Swimmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 17% In-person, and 83% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Security Guard (Military Ocean Terminal)

Security Guard (Military Ocean Terminal)

US Department of the Army

Southport, NC • On-site

$45K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


United States Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 481 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

About the Position: Serve as a Security Guard with the U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS), 596th US Army Transportation Surface Brigade , 832nd United States Transportation Battalion, Police & Security division located in Southport, North Carolina.Qualifications:

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes experience working with a Federal, State, municipal, local or private protective organization that involved the protection of property against such hazards as fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass; or maintaining order and protecting life; such as the following: enforce security rules and regulations; escort persons or vehicles; verity the identification of an individual entering controlled areas; perform security patrols to identify potential hazards; perform traffic control; control the access of personnel or vehicles to property/installation; monitor various alarm systems; respond to security incidents. Such experience must have provided a knowledge of protective systems and techniques; and conduct waterside patrols. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-05).
Conditions of Employment Continued:

  • This position is subject to the provisions of the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban (Lautenberg Amendment). This act bans individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and certain others from possession or access to firearms or ammunition
  • Incumbent must successfully pass the State's certification test required from the state Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) security official (if required by the State).
  • Within the first 2 years, HP crew members, must complete a swim assessment, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) courses- Basic Crew Member, Boat Search and Rescue and Tactical Operator, Boat safety course, additional Maritime training courses, and MOT personnel qualification standard. Failure to compete the training requirements could lead to disciplinary actions.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
  • This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
  • Incumbent is required to work both inside and outside with possible exposure to inclement weather.
  • Incumbent must maintain certification on law enforcement systems.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights
Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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