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Lifeguard Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hopedale MC

Swim Instructor/ Life Guard

Hopedale, IL · On-site

$25/hr

Swim Instructor/Lifeguard (PRN) About Hopedale Medical Complex For more than 70 years, Hopedale Medical Complex has provided exceptional, patient-centered healthcare close to home. We are an ...

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Lifeguard information

See Normal, IL salary details

$8

$16

$36

How much do lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard in Normal, IL is $16.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.16 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 Normal, IL?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Lifeguard job openings:

Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguard job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,975 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Swim Instructor/ Life Guard

Hopedale Medical Complex

Hopedale, IL

$25/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead private and group swim lessons for children and adults of varying skill levels.

  • Ensure the safety of all participants by maintaining constant supervision and responding appropriately during emergencies.

  • Maintain attendance records, complete lesson documentation, and assist in maintaining aquatic equipment and pool environment.

Job description

Swim Instructor/Lifeguard (PRN)
About Hopedale Medical Complex
For more than 70 years, Hopedale Medical Complex has provided exceptional, patient-centered healthcare close to home. We are an independent, nonprofit Critical Access Hospital rooted in a small-town community—but the scope of care we provide is anything but small.
What makes HMC special is the relationship between our patients, physicians, and care teams. Many of our physicians provide both primary care and general surgical services, creating a continuity of care and personal connection that is increasingly rare in healthcare. Our patients are our neighbors, friends, and families, and many have trusted HMC with their care for generations.
From our 25-bed hospital, 24-hour Emergency Department, ICU, and four operating rooms to primary and specialty care, advanced surgical services, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, long-term care, senior living, and wellness services, HMC provides the capabilities of a larger health system with the personal connection of community healthcare.
Join the Hopedale Medical Complex Wellness Center Team!

Do you have a passion for swimming, water safety, and helping others build confidence in the water? Hopedale Medical Complex is seeking an energetic and dependable Swim Instructor/Lifeguard to join our Wellness Center team on a PRN (as-needed) basis.

In this role, you'll provide safe, engaging swim instruction to children and individuals of varying ages and skill levels while promoting water safety and creating a fun, supportive learning environment. If you enjoy working with people and making a positive impact in your community, we'd love to hear from you!

Schedule
  • PRN (as-needed)
  • Must be available to work until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays
  • Availability for some Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is required
HMC Offers
  • HMC Wellness Center membership
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
Position Summary

The Swim Instructor/Lifeguard provides private and group swim instruction to participants of all ages and abilities while promoting water safety, skill development, and confidence in the aquatic environment. This position is responsible for planning and conducting swim lessons, ensuring participant safety, maintaining a positive learning atmosphere, and supporting the daily operations of the Wellness Center aquatics program.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Lead private and group swim lessons for children and adults of varying skill levels.
  • Teach proper swimming techniques, stroke development, and water safety using age-appropriate instructional methods.
  • Evaluate participant progress and provide encouragement and constructive feedback.
  • Ensure the safety of all participants by maintaining constant supervision and responding appropriately during emergencies.
  • Build positive relationships with participants, parents, and Wellness Center members through exceptional customer service.
  • Begin and end classes on schedule and remain available after lessons to answer participant or parent questions.
  • Maintain attendance records and complete required lesson documentation.
  • Collaborate with Aquatics staff to enhance lesson quality and participant success.
  • Assist in maintaining aquatic equipment, supplies, and a clean, organized pool environment.
  • Report equipment maintenance needs and safety concerns promptly.
  • Participate in departmental meetings, continuing education, and required training.
  • Support Hopedale Medical Complex's commitment to quality, safety, and outstanding member experiences.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent, or current enrollment in high school, required.
  • Previous experience in swimming instruction, competitive swimming, or lifeguarding preferred.
  • Current CPR/AED certification required or willingness to obtain upon hire.
  • Ability to safely instruct and supervise swimmers of all ages and ability levels.
  • Knowledge of swimming strokes, water safety, and instructional techniques, or the ability to quickly learn through training.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills and ability to work effectively with children, families, and team members.
  • Creativity, patience, and enthusiasm for teaching.
  • Ability to analyze swimming techniques and provide effective coaching and instruction.
  • Commitment to maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive aquatic environment.
Why Join Hopedale Medical Complex?

At Hopedale Medical Complex, you'll join a team dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our community. Whether you're teaching a child to swim for the first time or helping someone gain confidence in the water, you'll make a meaningful difference every day while working in a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Background Check amp; Drug Screening

Employment with Hopedale Medical Complex is contingent upon successfully passing a federal and state background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Testing includes both illegal and legally obtained substances, including cannabis (THC).


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