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Lifeguard Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Northern Rock County

Lifeguard

Janesville, WI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

American Red Cross Lifeguard or Shallow Water Lifeguard, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED, First Aid. * Willingness to attend meetings, training, and obtain additional certification as requested.

YMCA

Lifeguard - Daytime- EAST

Madison, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Come join our team of lifeguards. Benefits: * Excellent Pay * Flexible hours * Save Lives * Valuable work experience * Future job character reference Qualifications: * Must Possess following ...

YMCA of Dane County

Lifeguard - Daytime- EAST

Madison, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Come join our team of lifeguards. Benefits: * Excellent Pay * Flexible hours * Save Lives * Valuable work experience * Future job character reference Qualifications: * Must Possess following ...

YMCA of Dane County

Part-Time Lifeguard

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

The Sun Prairie YMCA is looking to add some great lifeguards to our Aquatics Department. Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard actively provides a safe environment and ...

YMCA of Dane County

Part-Time Lifeguard

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

The Sun Prairie YMCA is looking to add some great lifeguards to our Aquatics Department. Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard actively provides a safe environment and ...

YMCA

Part-Time Lifeguard

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

The Sun Prairie YMCA is looking to add some great lifeguards to our Aquatics Department. Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard actively provides a safe environment and ...

YMCA of Dane County

Lifeguard - Daytime- EAST

Madison, WI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Come join our team of lifeguards. Benefits: * Excellent Pay * Flexible hours * Save Lives * Valuable work experience * Future job character reference Qualifications: * Must Possess following ...

City of Whitewater

Lifeguard

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$14/hr

Job Summary Lifeguards are responsible for guarding the lives of pool patrons through effective pool surveillance, scanning, rule enforcement and responding to emergencies. The Lifeguard works and ...

City of Whitewater, WI

Lifeguard

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$14/hr

The Lifeguard works and communicates with other WAFC employees, professional staff, pool patrons, and the general public. Get Certified with Us! August Course * Monday, August 10 - 11:00AM-5:00PM

YMCA

Lifeguards - Weekday Morning Shifts

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard actively provides a safe environment and accountability of all members and guests by maintaining constant surveillance of the pool area ...

UWHealth

Lifeguard - East Madison Hospital

Madison, WI · On-site

Supervise/lifeguard pool deck operations including appointments, classes, and programs. * Ensure chemicals in the pool are balanced. * Assist pool therapists with appointment management. * Track ...

UW Health

Lifeguard - East Madison Hospital

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.37/hr

Supervise/lifeguard pool deck operations including appointments, classes, and programs. * Ensure chemicals in the pool are balanced. * Assist pool therapists with appointment management. * Track ...

UWHealth

Lifeguard - East Madison Hospital

Madison, WI · On-site

Supervise/lifeguard pool deck operations including appointments, classes, and programs. * Ensure chemicals in the pool are balanced. * Assist pool therapists with appointment management. * Track ...

UW Health

Lifeguard - East Madison Hospital

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.37/hr

Supervise/lifeguard pool deck operations including appointments, classes, and programs. * Ensure chemicals in the pool are balanced. * Assist pool therapists with appointment management. * Track ...

UWHealth

Lifeguard - East Madison Hospital

Madison, WI · On-site

Supervise/lifeguard pool deck operations including appointments, classes, and programs. * Ensure chemicals in the pool are balanced. * Assist pool therapists with appointment management. * Track ...

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Lifeguard information

See Madison, WI salary details

$9

$17

$37

How much do lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard in Madison, WI is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 exclusive pools offering better pay than public beaches or community pools.
More about Lifeguard jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Lifeguard jobs in Madison, WI?

For Lifeguard jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Lifeguard job openings:

Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguard job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 62% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,047 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Lifeguard

YMCA of Northern Rock County

Janesville, WI • On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Maintain safe environment in pools and surrounding areas utilized by aquatic center participants and spectators.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 15 years of age or older per Wisconsin State Law and American Red Cross standards
  • Must demonstrate and meet acceptable swimming and rescue skills.
  • Required certifications that must be maintained: American Red Cross Lifeguard or Shallow Water Lifeguard, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED, First Aid.
  • Willingness to attend meetings, training, and obtain additional certification as requested.
CLICK HERE for complete position description

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