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Lifeguard Instructor Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Aquatics Coordinator

Ames, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic leadership staff. * Coordinate lifeguard certification, recertification ...

Lifeguard

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Current Lifeguard certification (American Red Cross preferred, Others as approved by CE Aquatic ... ARC Water Safety instructor (WSI) certification preferred Performance Criteria Professional

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... StarGuardElite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge toStarGuardwhen current ...

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge to StarGuard when current ...

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge to StarGuard when current ...

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... StarGuardElite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge toStarGuardwhen current ...

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... StarGuardElite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge toStarGuardwhen current ...

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard Certifications (within 60 days of hire) * Complete and pass all Life ...

Successfully complete and pass Life Time Swim Instructor Certification * Ability to work in a ... Lifeguard certification to StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge ...

Successfully complete and pass Life Time Swim Instructor Certification * Ability to work in a ... Lifeguard certification to StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, BLS CPR, and First Aid Certified (or bridge ...

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Lifeguard Instructor information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$6

$15

$22

How much do lifeguard instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard instructor in Des Moines, IA is $15.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lifeguard Instructor, you need strong swimming and lifesaving abilities, a comprehensive knowledge of water safety, and current lifeguard/instructor certifications such as those from the American Red Cross or YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/AED procedures, and training materials or e-learning systems is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and build confidence in students. These competencies are essential for ensuring safety, delivering high-quality instruction, and preparing others to respond to aquatic emergencies.

What are the typical responsibilities of a lifeguard instructor during a certification course?

As a Lifeguard Instructor, your main responsibilities during a certification course include teaching core water rescue skills, first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols to participants. You will demonstrate techniques, supervise hands-on practice sessions, and assess students' competency through written and practical exams. Instructors also ensure all safety guidelines are followed throughout the training and provide constructive feedback to help candidates develop the confidence and skills required for lifeguarding roles. This role involves balancing instruction, supervision, and evaluation to maintain a positive and effective learning environment.

What is a lifeguard instructor?

A Lifeguard Instructor is responsible for training and certifying individuals in lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques. They teach courses following established safety protocols, assess candidates' skills, and ensure they meet certification requirements. Instructors may work at pools, beaches, or training centers and must stay updated on lifesaving techniques. Additionally, they serve as role models for water safety and may assist in emergency preparedness planning.

How to become a certified lifeguard instructor?

To become a certified lifeguard instructor, you must typically hold current lifeguard certification, complete an instructor training course approved by a recognized organization such as the American Red Cross or YMCA, and pass both written and practical exams demonstrating teaching skills and rescue techniques. Additional requirements may include age minimums, CPR certification, and a minimum number of hours as a lifeguard before qualifying to instruct others.

What are popular job titles related to Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

Infographic showing various Lifeguard Instructor job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,583 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

AQUATICS - Lifeguard / Swim Instructor (Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center)

City of Ames

Ames, IA โ€ข On-site

$13.95 - $16.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district. General Information ย  The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for Aquatics positions.

All Aquatic positions are directly accountable to the Aquatics Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and/or designee, and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation. This posting is open until filled. Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

Examples of Essential Job Functions LIFEGUARD: Pay Range: $14.49-$15.37 Consistently enforce and educate patrons on all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations; recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies; perform surveillance and rescue techniques; administer first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or utilize AED in an emergency; inspect the facility and report any safety concerns or unsafe conditions or equipment; complete and submit required records and reports; perform routine cleaning and maintenance as assigned; participate in regular in-service training sessions; exercise regularly to maintain fitness level (swimming skills, strength and endurance); complete additional duties as assigned. Successful candidates will need to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. Which includes online and classroom course work with written exam, and in-water skills consisting of: swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping (not timed), tread water for 2 minutes, timed brick retrieval (in one minute and forty seconds - enter water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool, swim 20 yards on you back with the brick, exit the pool)

SWIM INSTRUCTOR: Pay Range: $13.95-$16.43 Teach American Red Cross swimming lessons according to standards per assigned skill level(s); ensure safety of all participants; enforce all aquatic facility polices, rules and regulations; recognize and respond to any emergency situations; evaluate and record participants skills; inspect equipment and facility conditions and report any concerns; complete and submit required reports; and participate in scheduled in-service sessions and/or training; perform routine cleaning and maintenance as assigned; complete additional duties as assigned. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork

For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Qualifications LIFEGUARD: Education and Experience: Must be at least 15 years of age. Lifeguarding and/or swimming experience is recommended. Licenses and Certifications: Current American Red Cross Deep Water Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and AED training is required.

Candidates not possessing these certificates may still apply; the city will provide certification course. Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGI) may also be obtained after hire to qualified candidates. SWIM INSTRUCTOR: Education and Experience: Must be at least 14 years of age.

Prior experience is preferred. Licenses and Certifications: American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate is preferred and can be obtained after hire to qualified candidates. Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

Supplemental Information Physical & Environmental Characteristics: Frequently exposed to various weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, and wind. Need to be able to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to deep water, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards.

Must be able to run, swim, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Aquatics staff must also be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations which may require strenuous physical activity and/or exertion. Indoor and outdoor sound may be moderately noisy.

May be exposed to chemicals used for water treatment and maintenance. Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

E-Verify Process: The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment.

For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov. NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview. The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.