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Lifeguards Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Lifeguard

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Swim Center Lifeguard The City: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying ...

California State Jobs

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

Laguna Beach, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Part Time Lifeguard I/II

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Once hired, lifeguards will be paid to attend any required training, and the certification will be provided by the City. This is a part-time, at-will, non-benefited position. Shifts start as early as ...

VillaSport

Lifeguard

Roseville, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $17.30/hr

Lifeguard Roseville, CA Overview Salary Range $16.90 - $17.75 Hourly Position Type Part Time Travel Percentage None Category Recreation Description VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa offers exciting ...

Shady Canyon Golf Club

Lifeguard

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Lifeguard Shady Canyon Golf Club - Irvine, CA 92603 Salary Range $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly Position Type Seasonal Description The Pool Lifeguard is responsible for safety at the pool. * Be on time for ...

City of Palm Springs

Lifeguard

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Palm Springs Swim Center Lifeguard Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum. THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the ...

VillaSport

Lifeguard

Roseville, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $17.30/hr

Lifeguard Roseville, CA Overview Salary Range $16.90 - $17.75 Hourly Position Type Part Time Travel Percentage None Category Recreation Description VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa offers exciting ...

City Of San Leandro

Lifeguard

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Lifeguard work is performed under the general supervision of a Recreation Specialist I or above. Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing lifeguard duties and teaching swim ...

California State Jobs

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify ...

City of San Leandro

Lifeguard

San Leandro, CA

$18.89 - $22.96/hr

Lifeguard work is performed under the general supervision of a Recreation Specialist I or above. Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing lifeguard duties and teaching swim ...

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Lifeguards information

See California salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do lifeguards jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguards in California is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a lifeguard?

Lifeguards 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 or experience in water safety and rescue techniques.

How much do lifeguards make per hour?

Lifeguards typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Higher wages are often available at private pools or resorts, and certifications like CPR and first aid can influence pay rates.

Where do lifeguards get paid the most?

Lifeguards tend to earn the highest wages in regions with a high cost of living and strong tourism industries, such as popular beach destinations and resort areas. Factors like experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence pay rates, with private clubs and luxury resorts often offering higher wages than public pools or community centers.

What is the difference between Lifeguards vs Swim Instructors?

AspectLifeguardsSwim Instructors
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPools, beaches, water parksPools, swim schools, community centers
Primary RoleEnsure safety, prevent drowning, respond to emergenciesTeach swimming skills, improve water safety

While both lifeguards and swim instructors work in aquatic environments and require CPR and First Aid certifications, lifeguards focus on safety and emergency response, whereas swim instructors concentrate on teaching swimming techniques. Their roles often overlap but serve different primary purposes within water safety and education.

What cities in California are hiring for Lifeguards jobs? Cities in California with the most Lifeguards job openings:
Lifeguards jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguards job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,950 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Lifeguard I & II and Lead Lifeguard (Short Term/Temporary)

Cuesta College (CA)

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$17.42 - $20.16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary This is a short-term/temporary position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Lifeguards are trained professionals specializing in water safety.

Lifeguards work under general supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator. Essential Functions & Qualifications Lifeguard I and Lifeguard II: The essential functions of these positions include, but are not limited to: Performs the tasks necessary to promote public safety at the aquatic facility by lifeguarding; Monitors activities in the aquatic facility to prevent accidents; Enforces aquatic facility rules and stops any dangerous activity; Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe swimming activities; Rescues swimmers in danger of drowning, administers first aid; Reports all major incidents to the Aquatics Coordinator; Inspects and maintains equipment and materials in proper working order; Inspects facility for cleanliness, assists in keeping facility clean and free from hazards; Reports facility safety issues to the Aquatics Coordinator; Participates in training sessions; Takes reports from patrons and relays pertinent information; Fills out incident reports, training logs, and other forms and paperwork as required; Monitors and records water temperatures and water chemistry; Instructs or aids in the delivery of various aquatic and safety programs; May instruct swim lessons, aqua fitness, or other similar activities; Instructs participants of varying ages and ability; Assists patrons with program registration and performs audits as assigned; Assists in the promotion of various aquatic and safety programs; Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers; Acts in friendly, enthusiastic and caring manner towards patrons. Lead Lifeguard: The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: Performs the essential functions of a Lifeguard I and Lifeguard II above; Performs the tasks necessary to assist in the supervision and support of lifeguard personnel, and to promote public safety at the aquatic facility by lifeguarding; Assists in determining work schedules; Assists in the planning and conducting of lifeguard training sessions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Lifeguard I: Fifteen years of age or older; A current "Lifeguarding" certificate from the American Red Cross; A current first aid certificate that meets the State of California Health & Safety Code (Title 22) requirements (can be attained within 12 months of hire). Lifeguard II: Same minimum qualifications as Lifeguard I above, and A minimum of 6 months experience as a lifeguard. Lifeguard III (Lead Lifeguard): Same minimum qualifications as Lifeguard I above, and A minimum of one year experience as a lifeguard.

Additional Information This is a short-term/temporary position. Students currently enrolled at Cuesta College will be given priority. Applications will be reviewed until all positions are filled.

This assignment has no guaranteed hours and will start only after hiring requirements are met. Interview Process Information Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

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