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Full Time Lifeguard Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$18.25/hr

Hiring immediately with full-time, part-time, and flexible scheduling - must be at least sixteen (16) years or older except for some locations and aquatics positions, such as lifeguard, where the ...

Lifeguard - City of Bessemer

Bessemer, MI · On-site

$12.42 - $19.26/hr

Grade 9 TYPE: Full time JOB SUMMARY: The City of Bessemer is hiring full-time Lifeguards who will enforce water safety rules and regulations following standard practices to ensure a safe and pleasant ...

Lifeguard Full Time

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Role: Lifeguard Summary: Under general supervision, ensures the safety of patrons of Goldfish Swim School - Grand Rapids by preventing and responding to emergencies. Primary Responsibilities: • ...

... • Lifeguard equipment. • Smartphones or tablets. • Office supplies. Work Schedule • ... While not all roles at Invited are full-time, those full-time team members have access to a ...

Full Time Lifeguard information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$59

How much do full time lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time lifeguard in Michigan is $21.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time lifeguard?

A Full Time Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and patrons at a pool, beach, or water park. Their duties include monitoring the water, enforcing safety rules, performing rescues, and providing first aid when needed. They also conduct regular safety checks and maintain a clean and organized pool deck. Full Time Lifeguards typically work a set schedule and may be required to work weekends or holidays. Strong swimming skills, CPR certification, and an ability to respond quickly in emergencies are essential for the role.

Is being a full-time lifeguard a job?

Yes, being a full-time lifeguard is a recognized employment position that involves supervising swimming areas, ensuring safety, and responding to emergencies. It typically requires certification in lifeguard training and may include working during peak hours or seasons. Full-time roles often offer benefits and a regular schedule.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, quick decision-making skills, and knowledge of water safety procedures, usually backed by certification in CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding from recognized organizations like the Red Cross or the YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment such as rescue tubes, backboards, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is essential. Exceptional alertness, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety of swimmers and providing swift, effective responses during emergencies.

Where do lifeguards get paid the most?

Lifeguards tend to earn the highest wages in regions with a high cost of living, popular tourist destinations, or affluent communities, often working at private clubs, resorts, or water parks. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence pay rates, with full-time positions generally offering higher salaries than seasonal roles.

What does a typical day look like for a full time lifeguard?

A typical day for a full time lifeguard involves monitoring assigned swimming areas, enforcing facility safety rules, performing regular water rescues and first aid when necessary, and conducting routine checks of safety equipment. Lifeguards also participate in ongoing training drills to maintain their skills and may assist with facility cleaning or administrative tasks. They often work as part of a team, communicating closely with other lifeguards, supervisors, and sometimes pool managers to ensure coverage and rapid response in emergencies. The role offers the opportunity to develop strong teamwork and leadership abilities, and can be a stepping stone to positions such as head lifeguard or aquatic supervisor.

Where do full time lifeguards get paid the most?

Full time lifeguards tend to earn the highest wages in regions with higher living costs and greater demand for aquatic safety staff, such as affluent urban areas or popular tourist destinations. States or cities with strict safety regulations and higher minimum wages also typically offer higher pay for lifeguards, especially those with advanced certifications like CPR and first aid. Compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of facility, such as private clubs or resorts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Lifeguard jobs in Michigan?

For Full Time Lifeguard jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Lifeguard jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Lifeguard jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Full Time Lifeguard jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Full Time Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Full Time Lifeguard job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 48% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,851 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

$18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Great Wolf Lodge rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 310 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 107 rated hotels


Job description

Pay: $18.25 


At Great Wolf, Lifeguard is one of the most important positions in the lodge, as they are vital to ensuring the safety of our guests, their families, and anyone that visits our waterpark attractions. No matter the situation, Great Wolf lifeguards are trained to respond and ensure all guests enjoy a safe and fun environment.


Hiring immediately with full-time, part-time, and flexible scheduling – must be at least sixteen (16) years or older except for some locations and aquatics positions, such as lifeguard, where the requirement is at least fifteen (15) years or older.  

Join our Pack:   

Grow your career: A great place to start or advance your career with cross-training, scholarship fund, and talent development programs at all levels   

Great Perks: Take advantage of exclusive perks for you, your family, and friends – including discounted vacations and employee referral incentives   

Learn While You Earn: Gain access to Great Wolf University for on-the-job training, functional, and leadership training   

Prioritize Your Well-Being: We offer flexible scheduling, access to a holistic wellness program and technology, and support through our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Relief Fund   

Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Join a team that cheers for diversity and inclusion through programs that make everyone feel welcome and recognized.   

Benefits:   

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance   
  • Health savings account   
  • Telehealth resources   
  • Life insurance   
  • 401K with employer match   
  • Paid vacation time off   
  • Paid parental leave 


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Supervises and provides surveillance of swimmers and guests during park hours, special events, and training sessions
  • Responds to emergency situations in assigned zone
  • Assists in communicating emergency situations outside of assigned zone
  • Administers and coordinates emergency first aid as necessary
  • Enforces the rules and regulations of the waterpark
  • Advises aquatics management of unsafe and unsanitary conditions
  • Provides superior customer service to all guests by assisting all in a polite and expedient manner
  • Performs daily routine chores and maintenance of waterpark to ensure neat and orderly appearance
  • Performing within Ellis Certification standards


Required Qualifications & Skills

  • No experience required, training provided
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Ability and willingness to achieve Certification in First Aid, CPR and Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Training
  • Successful completions of criminal background check and drug screen


Desired Qualifications & Traits

  • Good oral communication skills
  • Prior First Aid, CPR, AED experience
  • Prior lifeguard training and/or experience


Physical Requirements

  • Swim 50 yards in 4 ft. of water and retrieve a 10 lb brick from the bottom of pool
  • Sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Capable of prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments
  • Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs
  • Minimum of 20/25 corrected or uncorrected vision and no permanent eye abnormalities


Pay Rate: $$18.25  /hr 

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of Great Wolf’s total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and other perks.

Application Instructions:   

Click on “Apply Now” or chat with a recruiter (bottom of your screen on Great Wolf’s website). After a brief application, all qualified applicants will be immediately invited to setup an interview or attend an upcoming hiring event.     


Position Close Date: 


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 


This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.


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