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Lifeguard Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Lifeguard

Erwin, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

A Lifeguard at the Unicoi County Family YMCA creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck ...

SafeSplash Swim School

Lifeguard

Nashville, TN

$15/hr

Lifeguard Share Apply Part-time Up to $15.00 per hour Do you have a passion for safety and kids? Come join the fastest-growing swim lesson program in the industry!! Required: * A passion for children ...

City of Johnson City, TN

Lifeguard (Part-Time)

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Lifeguard (Part-Time) The City of Johnson City, Tennessee is accepting online reservations for a Part-Time Lifeguard to work 28 hours per week. The employee performs responsible service work ensuring ...

SafeSplash Swim School

Lifeguard

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Lifeguard Share Apply Part-time Starting at $15.00 per hour Do you have a passion for safety and kids? Come join the fastest-growing swim lesson program in the industry!! Required: * A passion for ...

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC

Lifeguard

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Lifeguard DATE PREPARED: June 5, 2023 PROGRAM AREA: Adult Services Division EDUCATION: High School Diploma/Red Cross Certifications Lifeguard Job Requirements and Responsibilities: * Supervises ...

SafeSplash Swim School

Lifeguard

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Lifeguard Share Apply Part-time Up to $15.00 per hour Do you have a passion for safety and kids? Come join the fastest-growing swim lesson program in the industry!! Required: * A passion for children ...

Orange Grove

Lifeguard

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Lifeguard DATE PREPARED: June 5, 2023 PROGRAM AREA: Adult Services Division EDUCATION: High School Diploma/Red Cross Certifications Lifeguard Job Requirements and Responsibilities: * Supervises ...

In-Shape Solutions LLC

Lifeguard

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for monitoring our bodies of water, keeping vigilant watch of swimmers and responding swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. This includes speaking with swimmers to ...

In-Shape Solutions LLC

Lifeguard

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for monitoring our bodies of water, keeping vigilant watch of swimmers and responding swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. This includes speaking with swimmers to ...

National Fitness Center

Lifeguard

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for monitoring our bodies of water, keeping vigilant watch of swimmers and responding swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. This includes speaking with swimmers to ...

Cherokee Country Club

Lifeguard (Seasonal)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Lifeguard (Seasonal) at Cherokee Country Club $11.00/HR with potential $2.00/HR end of season bonus Are you a highly skilled and motivated lifeguard looking for an immediate opportunity to showcase ...

The University Club Of Memphis

Lifeguard

Memphis, TN · On-site

$14/hr

The Lifeguard plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all patrons at aquatic facilities at the University Club of Memphis by actively monitoring swimming areas and responding ...

Cherokee Country Club

Lifeguard (Seasonal)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11/hr

Lifeguard (Seasonal) at Cherokee Country Club $11.00/HR with potential $2.00/HR end of season bonus Are you a highly skilled and motivated lifeguard looking for an immediate opportunity to showcase ...

SafeSplash Swim School

Lifeguard

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12/hr

Lifeguard Share Apply Part-time Starting at $12.00 per hour Do you have a passion for safety and kids? Come join the fastest-growing swim lesson program in the industry!! Required: * A passion for ...

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Lifeguard information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$33

How much do lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard in Tennessee is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is working as a lifeguard worth it?

Working as a lifeguard can be rewarding for those who enjoy working outdoors, supervising pools or beaches, and ensuring safety. The job typically requires certification in CPR and first aid, and offers flexible hours, but it may involve physical demands and exposure to weather conditions. Whether it is worth it depends on personal goals and preferences for the role.

Where do lifeguards make the most money?

Lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living, popular tourist destinations, or private clubs. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence earning potential, with some private or luxury pools offering better pay than public beaches or community pools.

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

To thrive as a Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, first aid and CPR certification, and keen observation skills. Familiarity with rescue equipment, communication radios, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Alertness, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safety and responding appropriately to emergencies. These skills and qualities are essential for preventing accidents, providing immediate assistance, and maintaining a safe environment for all patrons.

How does a lifeguard typically collaborate with other staff members during busy periods at a pool or beach?

During peak times, lifeguards work closely with other lifeguards, pool managers, and facility staff to maintain safety and efficient operations. They often rotate surveillance zones to stay alert, communicate via radios or hand signals, and coordinate responses to emergencies. Effective teamwork ensures that all areas are monitored without gaps and that assistance is immediately available if an incident occurs. Collaboration also extends to enforcing rules, providing customer service, and participating in routine safety drills.

What is a lifeguard?

Lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of people in and around aquatic environments like pools, beaches, and water parks. Their primary duties include monitoring swimmers, preventing accidents, providing first aid, and performing rescues when necessary. Lifeguards must maintain vigilance, possess strong swimming skills, and often hold certifications in lifesaving techniques and CPR. They also enforce rules to prevent dangerous behavior and educate the public about water safety.

What is the difference between Lifeguard vs Swim Instructor?

AspectLifeguardSwim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPools, beaches, water parksPools, swim schools, community centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesEnsure safety, prevent drowning, rescueTeach swimming skills, improve technique

While both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications and are based in aquatic environments, lifeguards focus on safety and rescue, whereas swim instructors concentrate on teaching swimming skills. The roles often overlap but serve different primary purposes within aquatic facilities.

What does a lifeguard do?

A lifeguard monitors swimmers at the beach or in a pool, watches for hazards, and strives to maintain safety. As a lifeguard, your responsibilities include supervising swimmers and enforcing safety rules. Your job duties can also include organizing group activities, maintaining equipment, cleaning pools, and teaching swimming lessons to swimmers of all ages. You can find lifeguard jobs at public and private beaches, lakes, public swimming pools, hotel or community swimming pools, and public and private schools from grade school to university level.

More about Lifeguard jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee? For Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Lifeguard jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Lifeguard jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Lifeguard job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lifeguard jobs in TN? For Lifeguard jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguard job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 44% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,469 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Lifeguard

YMCA

Erwin, TN • On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

The Unicoi County Family YMCA is currently hiring lifeguards. Come Join Our Team!
Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. A Lifeguard at the Unicoi County Family YMCA creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Eliminates potential hazards, enforce rules and promotes sanitary conditions for swimming. Establishes and maintains discipline with respect when carrying out your duties.
Qualifications
  • Minimum age of 16.
  • Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration.
  • Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent. Lifeguard Certification Class Available for the right candidate.
  • Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
  • Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
  • Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
  • Show leadership, maturity, and self-control and be a positive role model.

Essential Functions
1. Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
2. Know and review all emergency procedures, responding to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies.
3. Address challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
4. Understand and consistently apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
5. Remain calm and objective under pressure or when challenged by others.
6. Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
7. Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available when needed.
8. Inspect the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival.
9. Conduct chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and take appropriate action.
10. Arrive at work at least 5 minutes before your shift starts, dressed in proper attire, including a lifeguard shirt, appropriate shorts or pants, and shoes or deck sandals.
11. Be rescue-ready at all times:
- Use the rescue tube with the shoulder strap on, keeping it across your lap while seated and holding it when standing or walking.
- Wear the rescue pack on duty and inspect it to ensure it contains a rescue mask and gloves.
- Do not read, do homework, or engage in other activities when there are swimmers in the pool.
- Avoid using cell phones, computers, or other devices while on scanning duty.
- Scan the area from bottom to top, aiming for a 10x10 second reaction (scan the area in 10 seconds and be able to respond within 10 seconds).
- Limit socializing while on duty; brief interactions for member service are acceptable only if they don't interfere with 10x10 scanning.
12. Familiarize yourself with the Unicoi County Family YMCA Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and your role in it. Attend all staff training sessions and maintain your rescue skills and abilities.
13. Enforce all safety rules. Ask anyone not following the rules to comply, and if they refuse, you may ask them to leave the pool area.
14. Keep accurate records of pool checks, including chlorine levels, pH, bather counts, etc.
15. All lifeguards and instructors are responsible for finding their own coverage if they cannot work; please contact the aquatic director if you are unable to do so.
16. Clean the pool at the end of every shift. Ensure that no trash is left on the bleachers or anywhere on the pool deck.
17. Conduct yourself in a professional manner while at work.
Ymca Careers
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