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Lifeguard Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

Redlands, CA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA Lifeguard needed within 90 days of employment) * Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness * Must demonstrate lifeguard skills ...

Lifeguard

San Bernardino, CA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA Lifeguard needed within 90 days of employment) * Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness * Must demonstrate lifeguard skills ...

Lifeguard

Orange, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun. Guided by the Aquatics Facility Manager, you'll be the friendly face explaining safety protocols, the ...

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun. Guided by the Aquatics Facility Manager, you'll be the friendly face explaining safety protocols, the ...

Senior Lifeguard (Part-Time)

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Seasonal Part-Time Lifeguard The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record ...

Lifeguard

Orange, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun. Guided by the Aquatics Facility Manager, you'll be the friendly face explaining safety protocols, the ...

Aquatics Lifeguard

Pomona, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for communicating pool guidelines, guiding members away from unsafe situations, and supporting the safe use of the pool. This role is a profound opportunity to directly ...

The Lifeguard is responsible for communicating pool guidelines, guiding members away from unsafe situations, and supporting the safe use of the pool. This role is a profound opportunity to directly ...

Seasonal Lifeguard

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.45/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for communicating pool guidelines, guiding members away from unsafe situations, and supporting the safe use of the pool. This role is a profound opportunity to directly ...

Lifeguard

Yorba Linda, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for communicating pool guidelines, guiding members away from unsafe situations, and supporting the safe use of the pool. This role is a profound opportunity to directly ...

Lifeguard

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.45/hr

The Lifeguard is responsible for communicating pool guidelines, guiding members away from unsafe situations, and supporting the safe use of the pool. This role is a profound opportunity to directly ...

Pool Lifeguard (Temp)

Patton, CA

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Pool Lifeguard Reporting to the Supervisor, Pool Services, the Pool Lifeguard is an outgoing, motivated individual capable of adapting to change in a fast past pool and hospitality environment.

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Lifeguard information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$38

How much do lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard in Riverside, CA is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 that offer premium amenities. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence earning potential, with some private or exclusive venues paying more than public pools or beaches.

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 qualifications do I need to be a lifeguard?

To be a lifeguard, you typically need to be at least 15 or 16 years old, hold a valid lifeguard certification such as CPR, first aid, and water rescue, and demonstrate strong swimming skills. Some employers may require a minimum number of hours of training and certification renewal every one to two years.

What are lifeguards?

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Lifeguards typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with specialized roles like high-level consultants, surgeons, or certain executive positions. Some freelance or contract professionals in fields like consulting, legal, or medical services may reach this level with significant experience and expertise. Most jobs with this pay rate require advanced skills, certifications, or working in high-stakes environments.

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.

Is 22 too old to be a lifeguard?

Lifeguards can be of various ages, and 22 is generally considered a suitable age to work as a lifeguard. Many employers value maturity, swimming skills, and certification in lifeguard training over age, so being 22 does not typically disqualify someone from the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Lifeguard jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Lifeguard job openings:
Lifeguard

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Builds positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal skills and creatively finds ways to connect them to one another and the Y community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
  2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the "safe-in-six" model; completes related reports as required
  3. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area
  4. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code
  5. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed
  6. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving
  7. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action
  8. Identifies and celebrates the successes of members and program participants
  9. Attends and participates in all staff meetings and in-service training
  10. Performs other duties as assigned
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y's work.
Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.
Developing Others: Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others' capabilities to attain the highest level of performance possible.
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
Innovation: Participates in the generation, experimentation, and implementation of new approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's mission and work.
Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration
  2. Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA Lifeguard needed within 90 days of employment)
  3. Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
  4. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  2. Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard
  3. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility
  4. Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness
  5. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility

Background Check:
Once a conditional offer is made, candidates will be subject to criminal background check/fingerprinting, drug screen, and physical examinations where required. YMCA of the East Valley participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.