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Head Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tanenbaum Family Pool Head Lifeguard Commonpoint - Tanenbaum Family Pool Seasonal Position | Summer 2026 Position Summary Commonpoint Tanenbaum Family Pool is seeking a qualified and experienced Head ...

Head Lifeguards must maintain knowledge of lifeguarding skills according to the American Red Cross and Penn State Campus Recreation policies and procedures and will help in leading these skills at in ...

Head Lifeguard

Pool, WV · On-site

$25/hr

Tanenbaum Family Pool (TFP) Head Lifeguard Summer 2025 Agency Overview: Commonpoint is a multifaceted community center dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the quality of individual, family and ...

Head Lifeguard

York, PA · On-site

$17.50/hr

As the Head Lifeguard, you will play a key role in ensuring a safe, well-supervised, and welcoming environment for all pool patrons. If you are passionate about supervising lifeguard staff, promoting ...

Head Lifeguard

York, PA · On-site

$17.50/hr

As the Head Lifeguard, you will play a key role in ensuring a safe, well-supervised, and welcoming environment for all pool patrons. If you are passionate about supervising lifeguard staff, promoting ...

Head Lifeguard

Centennial, CO · On-site

$17.05 - $21.70/hr

Head Lifeguard Part-Time Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open. This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Head Lifeguard

Centennial, CO · On-site

$17.05 - $21.70/hr

Head Lifeguard Part-Time Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open. This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

DISTRICT DEPARTMENT HEAD LIFEGUARD Education/Training: * Must be at least 18 years of age * High School Diploma/G.E.D. or higher * Lifeguards need to possess or obtain Red Cross Lifeguarding ...

Head Lifeguard

Piedmont, CA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

DEFINITION Head Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of all patrons at the City of Piedmont's Community Pool by actively monitoring the pool, enforcing safety rules, and responding ...

Head Lifeguard Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Head Lifeguards are certified lifeguards who have a knack for exceptional customer service. Head Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons within the pool area (s) by preventing ...

Head Lifeguard

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$21.94 - $22.69/hr

Head lifeguard also participates in scheduling of personnel; assigning Lifeguards to duty stations; and giving instructions in pool operating or waterfront procedures, rules, safety practices ...

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Head Guards foster a cohesive and cooperative environment by working closely with the Pool Director and Lifeguard Coordinator. This role includes leading and responding to emergency situations ...

Head Lifeguard

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

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Head Lifeguard information

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$9

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How much do head lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for head lifeguard 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 head lifeguard?

Head Lifeguards are experienced lifeguards who supervise other lifeguards and ensure the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or aquatic facilities. They oversee daily operations, enforce safety rules, conduct training sessions, and respond to emergencies. Additionally, Head Lifeguards may assist with scheduling, maintenance checks, and communication with facility management. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient aquatic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, advanced lifesaving knowledge, and certifications such as Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. Familiarity with pool safety systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for guiding staff and ensuring patron safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing accidents, managing emergencies, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by head lifeguards, and how are they typically addressed?

Head Lifeguards often face challenges such as managing a diverse team, ensuring consistent enforcement of safety protocols, and responding to emergencies efficiently. Balancing administrative duties—like scheduling and training—with active supervision on the pool deck can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through strong communication, regular staff training, and fostering a supportive team environment where all lifeguards feel empowered to raise concerns or suggest improvements.

What is the difference between Head Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises lifeguards, manages safety protocols, oversees pool areaPerforms water rescues, monitors swimmers, enforces rules
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, training, emergency response coordinationMonitoring, rescue, enforcing safety rules

The main difference between a Head Lifeguard and a Lifeguard is that the Head Lifeguard has additional leadership and supervisory responsibilities, overseeing other lifeguards and managing safety procedures. Both roles require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but the Head Lifeguard plays a key role in team management and emergency coordination.

How do you become a head lifeguard?

To become a head lifeguard, you typically need to have prior experience as a lifeguard, hold current certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, and demonstrate leadership skills. Many employers require candidates to pass a skills assessment and have a good safety record before advancing to a supervisory role.

What does a head lifeguard do?

A head lifeguard oversees the safety of swimmers and enforces pool or beach rules. They supervise other lifeguards, respond to emergencies, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid is typically required for this role.

Where do head lifeguards make the most money?

Head lifeguards tend to earn higher salaries at large aquatic facilities, water parks, and private clubs, especially in regions with higher living costs. Experience, certifications such as CPR and first aid, and the size of the facility can also influence pay rates.
More about Head Lifeguard jobs

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Cities with the most Head Lifeguard job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs are:

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The top employers for Head Lifeguard jobs are:

What states have the most Head Lifeguard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Lifeguard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Head Lifeguard jobs?

For Head Lifeguard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Head Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,458 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Head LIfeguard

University Park, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise lifeguarding activities and ensure patron safety through surveillance and preventive measures.

  • Act as the shift supervisor, managing team responsibilities and maintaining department standards.

  • Assist in maintaining a clean and safe aquatics center by performing and assigning light cleaning duties and tasks.


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
HEAD LIFEGUARD
Head Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of all members and guests through patron surveillance and preventive lifeguarding while also acting as the shift supervisor and holding themselves and lifeguards to the department's expectations. Job performance may include all duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard and/or head lifeguard. Head Lifeguards must maintain knowledge of lifeguarding skills according to the American Red Cross and Penn State Campus Recreation policies and procedures and will help in leading these skills at in-services and trainings. Head lifeguards assist in maintaining a clean and safe aquatics center by performing and assigning light cleaning duties and needed tasks based on the activities of the day with their team of lifeguards. Head Lifeguards are expected to respectfully manage disagreements and model positive rapport with patrons (including in online communities), arrive on time for all assigned shifts or secure appropriate coverage, remain calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations, maintain regular and frequent communication with supervisory team, the ability to interact with diverse groups through a variety of situations, use independent judgment and have a strong sense of integrity. Personally, and professionally, Head Lifeguards are expected to attend and participate in all trainings and meetings within employee group and department wide, be receptive to professional and personal development, give and receive feedback, balance time commitments, recognize limitations and work to improve and function as a contributing member of the Penn State Campus Recreation team. Head Lifeguards must obtain and maintain American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, and completion of Penn State University Bloodborne Pathogens training and both criminal and FBI background checks (obtained prior to first shift).
Head Lifeguards can work a maximum of 24 hours (International Students 20 hours) per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during breaks for Penn State University. Work will take place on the University Park Campus White Building or McCoy Natatorium (indoor or outdoor). Must be able to accommodate a variable work schedule that will include mornings, evenings, weekends; some holiday hours are required
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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