1

Junior Lifeguard Instructor Jobs in Springfield, NJ

Junior Lifeguard Instructor information

See Springfield, NJ salary details

$12

$21

$38

How much do junior lifeguard instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior lifeguard instructor in Springfield, NJ is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor, you need a solid understanding of water safety, swimming techniques, and CPR/first aid, usually backed by certifications such as Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and CPR/AED. Familiarity with rescue equipment, aquatic facility protocols, and lesson planning tools is commonly required. Strong communication, patience, and leadership skills help you effectively engage and motivate young lifeguards-in-training. These competencies ensure safe learning environments, effective instruction, and the development of vital lifesaving skills in future lifeguards.

What are some typical challenges faced by Junior Lifeguard Instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Junior Lifeguard Instructors often face the challenge of managing groups of young participants with varying swimming abilities and attention spans. Effective communication, patience, and strong organizational skills are essential to keep sessions engaging and safe for everyone. Collaborating closely with senior instructors and following established safety protocols helps instructors address these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and feedback can improve instructional techniques and boost confidence in handling diverse situations.

What are Junior Lifeguard Instructors?

Junior Lifeguard Instructors are individuals who teach and mentor young people, typically ages 11 to 15, in junior lifeguard programs. They provide instruction on water safety, basic rescue techniques, and first aid, as well as encourage teamwork and leadership skills among participants. These instructors often work at pools, beaches, or recreation centers, helping to prepare youth for future lifeguard certification and promoting safe aquatic environments.

What is the difference between Junior Lifeguard Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectJunior Lifeguard InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentTeaching, supervising, and training young lifeguards at pools or beachesMonitoring and ensuring safety at pools or beaches
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational facilities, summer camps, aquatic programsPublic pools, beaches, water parks

The main difference is that Junior Lifeguard Instructors are responsible for teaching and supervising younger lifeguards, often requiring additional instructor certifications. Lifeguards focus on monitoring water safety and rescue. Both roles require similar certifications, but Junior Lifeguard Instructors have added responsibilities in training others.

What cities near Springfield, NJ are hiring for Junior Lifeguard Instructor jobs? Cities near Springfield, NJ with the most Junior Lifeguard Instructor job openings:
Summer Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lead Swim Coach

Summer Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lead Swim Coach

The Pingry School

Basking Ridge, NJ

$25 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Pingry Summer: Where Excellence Meets Adventure
Pingry Summer is more than just a camp; it is a vibrant "third semester" where the excellence of The Pingry School's academic and athletic traditions meets the high-energy spirit of summer exploration. Spanning three picturesque campuses in Basking Ridge, Short Hills, and Pottersville, Pingry Summer offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 programs from signature day camps and elite athletics to transformative arts and academic enrichment.

As an employer, we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, honor, and intellectual curiosity. We believe the best summers are built by a team that is as dedicated to camper safety and compliance as it is to fun and friendship. Joining Pingry Summer means becoming part of a prestigious educational legacy while working in a dynamic, supportive environment where every staff member, from counselor to coordinator, plays a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for our community.

Position Description: Pingry Summer Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lead Swim Coach
Status: Seasonal (Minimum 8-week commitment)
Location: Basking Ridge, NJ
Compensation: $25.00-$32.00 per hour (Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education)
Schedule: Required Training Week of June 15th | Hours determined by pool schedule

Position Summary
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) serves as the pedagogical leader of the Pingry pool. Reporting to the Summer Aquatics Director, this role is responsible for executing high-quality swim lessons and mentoring a team of lifeguards in the proper delivery of aquatics instruction. The WSI ensures that every camper, from beginner to advanced, receives a safe, skill-based, and encouraging instructional experience.

The Candidate Profile
We are looking for an experienced educator and safety leader. The ideal WSI is:

  • A Master Teacher: You possess the ability to break down complex strokes into age-appropriate drills for campers.
  • A Staff Mentor: You enjoy coaching younger lifeguards, helping them grow from "deck watchers" into effective assistant instructors.
  • A Proactive Protector: You understand that a safe lesson is one where the instructor is constantly scanning for hazards while teaching.
  • Disciplined & Professional: You maintain a high level of physical and mental alertness and enforce pool rules consistently.

Core Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Staff Mentorship

  • Design and execute daily swim lesson plans for various age groups and skill levels.
  • Directly supervise and train junior lifeguards on the deck, providing "on-the-job" coaching on how to assist with lessons and manage camper groups effectively.
  • Assess camper progress regularly and provide feedback to the Aquatics Director and camp families.

Surveillance & Emergency Response

  • Maintain active, uninterrupted supervision of pool areas when not actively instructing, scanning assigned zones to ensure 100% safety.
  • Respond immediately to emergencies according to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and provide first aid/CPR/AED care as required.
  • Enforce all pool safety rules and deck regulations to prevent accidents.

Program & Deck Operations

  • Manage instructional equipment (kickboards, noodles, safety markers) and ensure all gear is organized and "rescue-ready".
  • Conduct routine checks of water conditions and deck markers, reporting any maintenance concerns to Aquatics leadership.
  • Maintain professional boundaries with campers, parents, and staff at all times.

Qualifications

  • Technical Certification: Current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification is required.
  • Safety Credentials: Current Lifeguard Certification, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
  • Leadership Experience: Proven experience teaching swim lessons and the ability to lead/direct a team of junior staff members.
  • Physical Readiness: Ability to pass all required pre-employment swim tests and maintain the physical stamina required for full-day sessions.

Required Clearances & Onboarding

  • Complete all digital onboarding via the payroll platform with the Summer Employment Operations Manager.
  • Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting, and NJ Sexual Misconduct/Child Abuse Disclosure releases.
  • All current certifications must be uploaded and verified prior to the first day on the stand.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers

Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education. 

Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.

A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers.