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Lifeguards Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lifeguard II

Piedmont, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Be part of the founding lifeguard team at Piedmont's stunning new community pool - a brand-new, year-round facility in a beautiful setting, with expansive water area and programs for every kind of ...

Lead Lifeguard

Modesto, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Supervise aquatic staff, including instructors and lifeguards as assigned * Hands on lifeguarding and assisting other aquatic instructional programs as assigned * Supervise swim instructors and ...

We are actively hiring full-time and part-time Lifeguards year-round, offering opportunities for individuals looking to build valuable experience in safety, hospitality, and guest services within a ...

Lifeguard (Part-time)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$20.16 - $26.30/hr

This position is an entry level lifeguard position that performs general lifeguard duties, rescue and first aid, instructs swim lessons, works with contract aquatic program, and assists with routine ...

Pool Lifeguard

Morro Bay, CA · On-site

$18.63 - $19.57/hr

We are now taking applications Pool Lifeguards for the City of Morro Bay! Want to spend your days by the pool, and positively impact your community? Look no further! The City of Morro Bay is hiring ...

Lead Lifeguard

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

Supervise aquatic staff, including instructors and lifeguards as assigned * Hands on lifeguarding and assisting other aquatic instructional programs as assigned * Supervise swim instructors and ...

Lifeguard Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As a Lifeguard Instructor you will be responsible for supporting our campus certification needs for Red Cross courses. You will work with the Aquatics Manager or other department heads regarding ...

Lifeguard

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Lifeguard

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Lifeguards are required to wear SafeSplash ® uniforms which include a white SafeSplash ® Lifeguard t-shirt and royal blue shorts. SafeSplash ® Swim School will provide one (1) t-shirt per calendar ...

Lifeguard Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As a Lifeguard Instructor you will be responsible for supporting our campus certification needs for Red Cross courses. You will work with the Aquatics Manager or other department heads regarding ...

Senior Lifeguard (Part-time)

Malibu, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $31.97/hr

Ensures adherence of proper safety precautions to lifeguards and pool patrons; keeps close watch on swimmers, bathers, and others using a swimming facility. * Interprets, explains, and enforces City ...

Lifeguard

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Pool Lifeguard is responsible for safety at the pool. * Be on time for the shift and set-up pool toys. * Acknowledge and greet everyone who enters and leaves the pool area. * Maintain eye contact ...

Lifeguard

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Pool Lifeguard is responsible for safety at the pool. * Be on time for the shift and set-up pool toys. * Acknowledge and greet everyone who enters and leaves the pool area. * Maintain eye contact ...

Showing results 21-40

Lifeguards information

See California salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do lifeguards jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 pass a swimming proficiency test. Some employers may require completion of a training course and ongoing certification renewal to ensure safety skills are current.

What cities in California are hiring for Lifeguards jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lifeguards job openings:

Infographic showing various Lifeguards job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,950 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Pool Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor/Head Lifeguard

City of San Clemente

San Clemente, CA • On-site

$18.32 - $22.84/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description NOW Hiring for Aquatics positions at increased hourly pay rates. Starting at $18.32 per hour up to $22.84 per hour The City of San Clemente is hiring for aquatic positions including Pool Lifeguards, Water Safety Instructors, and Head Lifeguards. No Experience or certifications are required for Pool Lifeguards, but you must be at least 16 years of age or older

The City will train and certify in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training. Individuals who already have certifications as well as qualifying experience can be hired at the level of Water Safety Instructor or Head Lifeguard. Pool Lifeguard $18.32 - $21.22 To observe and monitor pool patrons in the pool and in the surrounding area; to perform swim rescues and emergency medical treatment; to assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility

Water Safety Instructor $19.24 - $22.28 In addition to working as a pool lifeguards, WSI will organize, lead, and teach swim lessons, specialized aquatic activities, and water exercise classes; supervise the use of swimming pools and facilities; to plan and prepare session plans; enforce regulations, look out for accidents and perform swim rescues and/or provide emergency medical treatment; and assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment. Head Lifeguard $19.72 - $22.84 In addition to working as a pool lifeguard, Head Lifeguards will assist the Recreation Coordination in the instruction and supervision of Pool Lifeguards and Pool Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructors; to plan and administer seasonal aquatics activities; to perform swim rescues and emergency medical treatment; and to assist in the maintenance and operations of the facility and equipment. Essential Functions Essential Functions Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: POOL LIFEGUARD Observe swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area; provide emergency response, as necessary

Perform emergency rescues; perform first-aid measures, including mouth-to-mask resuscitation. Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on facilities and equipment, including monitoring chemical balance in pools, backwashing pools, and related functions. Assist in registering pool patrons; collect monies; balance and reconcile cash drawer.

Compile daily, weekly and monthly attendance sheets; maintain records. Maintain records on activities and operations; document information in log books. Perform a variety of custodial functions around the pool area; vacuum pool, scrub tiles and hose down deck; maintain washrooms and showers.

Assists in planning and conducting community events, general programs, and facility rentals; sets up and takes down tables, chairs, and equipment for classes, activities, events, and meetings. Provide basic facility maintenance. Receive and process payments; input data into the computer; operate the cash register; compute change and issue receipts.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR Instruct classes; prepare lesson plans; conduct American Red Cross swimming lessons ranging from Parent/Child Aquatics to Learn to Swim Level Six. Lead and conduct specialized aquatics programming consistent with the programs as outlined by the City of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department. Provide safe and enjoyable program activities to participants; communicate progress and assessments to participants and/or parents.

Proctor City swim evaluations, and review swimming techniques of swim lesson participants; provide feedback as necessary to ensure correct level placement. Observe swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area; provide emergency response, as necessary; and remove hazards from pool area to maintain a safe environment. Perform emergency rescues; perform first-aid measures, including mouth-to-mask resuscitation.

Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on facilities and equipment, including monitoring chemical balance in pools, assisting with the cleaning and repair of the pool and facilities, and related functions. Compile daily, weekly and monthly attendance sheets; maintain records. Maintain records on pool activities and operations; document information in log books.

Perform a variety of custodial functions around the pool area; vacuum pool, scrub tiles and hose down deck; maintain washrooms and showers. Assists in conducting aquatics events, programs, and facility rentals; sets up and takes down tables, chairs, and equipment for classes, activities, events, and meetings. Provide basic facility maintenance.

Provide customer service and general information to the public, in person and over the phone. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. HEAD LIFEGUARD Plan, schedule, and instruct swim and safety classes; ensure compliance with American Red Cross guidelines.

Supervise daily pool operations pursuant to Division policies and procedures; maintain records on activities and operations. Perform maintenance and repairs on facilities and equipment, including monitoring chemical balance in pools, and related functions. Supervise the daily activities and swim teaching techniques of pool lifeguards; provide additional training, as necessary, to ensure proper safety precautions.

Observe swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area; provide emergency assistance, as necessary. Perform emergency rescues; perform lifesaving and First Aid techniques, including mouth-to-mask resuscitation. Enforce facility policies, rules, and regulations for ensuring adherence to proper safety standards.

Perform a variety of custodial functions around the pool area; vacuum pool, scrub tiles and hose down deck; maintain washrooms and showers. Prepare financial, attendance, and program reports. Serve as a customer service liaison to the general public and City staff; assist in registering pool patrons and promoting publicity materials.

Remove hazards from pool area; maintain safe environment. Assist in planning and conducting community events, general programs, and facility rentals; set up and takes down tables, chairs, and equipment for classes, activities, events, and meetings. Provide basic facility maintenance.

Receive and process payments; input data into the computer; operate the cash register; compute change and issue receipts. Assist with annual cleaning and repair of pool and building. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications Experience and Education/Training Guidelines POOL LIFEGUARD Experience: No experience required. Education/Training: Must be at least 16 years of age. We hire, train, and certify in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR Experience: Three months of experience as a swim instructor, and/or aquatic fitness instructor preferred. Education/Training: Must possess a current certificate in American Red Cross Water Safety (WSI) or equivalent, and specialized life guard training. License or Certificate: Possession of a current Lifeguard Training Certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Possession of a C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Possession of Water Safety Instructor Certificate issued by the American Red Cross

Possession of First Aid Certificate that meets State of California Title 22 requirements or incumbent must take the first class offered by the City of San Clemente. Possession of Aquatic Exercise Certification preferred. HEAD LIFEGUARD Experience: Three (3) seasons of responsible experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

Experience as an American Red Cross instructor and college level work in recreation, physical education, education, or a related field is desirable. Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized lifeguard training. License or Certificate: Possession of a current Lifeguard Training Certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Possession of a C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer Certificate issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Possession of Water Safety Instructor Certificate issued by the American Red Cross

Possession of First Aid Certificate that meets State of California Title 22 requirements or incumbent must take the first class offered by the City of San Clemente. Possession of Aquatic Exercise Certification preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment: The work environment will mostly take place in an outdoor setting at a pool environment.

Physical Requirements: Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for swimming, running, walking, crouching or crawling. Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Aquatic physical fitness: the ability to swim 300 yards, tread water for a minimum of five minutes, lift and/or move over 50 pounds and retrieve/lift heavy swimmers.

Supplemental Information APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email. Applications must be submitted via the City's web site at http://san-clemente.org/jobs

All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience. Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense.

If selected, written identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required. In order to be considered for tryouts, applicants must be at least 16 years of age, complete an online Application. Those invited to the tryout will be provided with a Supplemental Questionnaire which must be turned in with a live signature at the time the candidate is scheduled to tryout.

Copies of all current, required certifications must be attached to the Supplemental Questionnaire in order for applicants to participate in the tryouts. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE All applicants must complete the Required Supplemental Questionnaire form, which will be sent to them if invited to the tryouts. TESTING PROCEDURE: Tryouts for the position will be held periodically at the San Clemente Aquatics Center, at 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA, 92673.

Qualified candidates will be notified if they are selected to participate in tryouts, and the date the tryouts will be held. During the tryouts, candidates must complete a variety of swimming and life-saving skill assessments, some of which must be done within a prescribed time period. The most successful candidates will be invited for an interview, typically on the same day, and will be evaluated on the basis of education, training, and work experience.

If candidates are invited to tryout, they should bring warm clothes, a swim suit, a towel, and clothes for the oral interview. If candidates have their own CPR mask, they should bring that also. Please note that only Pool Lifeguard or Pool Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor candidates will be permitted to attend the tryouts.

NOTE: Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the Supplemental Questionnaire prior to participating in any tryouts. The form must be brought to the tryouts. Anyone under the age of 18 that does not have the Questionnaire signed by a parent or guardian will not be allowed to participate in the tryouts.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or age. In accordance with the ADA, candidates that require accommodation to perform the tasks of this position should contact Human Resources to inform them of the accommodation requested. NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract and any provisions contained here in may be modified or revoked without notice.