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Open Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Head Lifeguard

Hazleton, PA · On-site

CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid, YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent, current Lifeguard/CPR Instructor Ymca Careers Similar Positions Opening Lifeguard Greater Waterbury YMCA Aquatics ...

City of St. Robert

LIFEGUARD (Seasonal)

Saint Robert, MO · On-site

$16/hr

Job Openings >> LIFEGUARD (Seasonal) LIFEGUARD (Seasonal) Summary Title: LIFEGUARD (Seasonal) ID: 1013 Location: St. Robert, Missouri Department: Parks & Recreation Salary Range: Starting at $16.00 ...

YMCA

Opening Lifeguard

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

There are scheduled times for children to utilize the small pool for open swim and the large pool. 15. All lifeguards and instructors are responsible for finding their own coverage; a substitution ...

County of Los Angeles

OCEAN LIFEGUARD

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30.05 - $39.41/hr

Opens lifeguard tower at beginning of shift, checking equipment such as rescue cans and rescue boards, radio, first aid box, resuscitators, oxygen, face mask; reports malfunctions, beach and water ...

Old Colony YMCA

Opening Lifeguard

Taunton, MA · On-site

Arrive on deck, in uniform, ready to open pool promptly at scheduled time. * Smile and greet ... Wear appropriate lifeguard attire as requested by supervisor. * Attend all staff meetings scheduled ...

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How much do open lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for open lifeguard in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Open Lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Open Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and current lifeguard certification (such as Red Cross or equivalent). Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/CPR/AED certifications, and the ability to use communication systems are typically required. Excellent observation skills, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring the safety of swimmers and providing effective emergency response in open water environments.

What are some common challenges Open Lifeguards face during peak season, and how can they best prepare?

During peak season, Open Lifeguards often encounter large crowds, increased swimmer activity, and unpredictable weather conditions. These factors can make it challenging to maintain constant vigilance and quick response times. To prepare, lifeguards should stay physically fit, participate in regular safety drills, and familiarize themselves with emergency protocols and crowd management techniques. Effective communication with team members and proactive scanning of the area are also essential to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

What are open lifeguards?

Open lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and visitors at open water locations, such as beaches, lakes, and rivers. Their duties include monitoring water conditions, performing rescues, administering first aid, and educating the public about water safety. Open lifeguards are skilled in handling the unique challenges of natural water environments, including currents, waves, and changing weather. They often hold certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid, and must remain vigilant to respond quickly to emergencies.

What is the difference between Open Lifeguard vs Pool Lifeguard?

AspectOpen LifeguardPool Lifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentBeaches, lakes, outdoor aquatic venuesIndoor or outdoor pools, aquatic centers
Employer & IndustryPublic beaches, outdoor recreation facilitiesPublic and private pools, aquatic clubs

Both Open Lifeguards and Pool Lifeguards require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but Open Lifeguards typically oversee outdoor natural water bodies like beaches and lakes, while Pool Lifeguards work mainly in indoor or outdoor pools. The roles are similar in responsibilities and qualifications, with the main difference being the setting.

What cities are hiring for Open Lifeguard jobs? Cities with the most Open Lifeguard job openings:
What states have the most Open Lifeguard jobs? States with the most job openings for Open Lifeguard jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Open Lifeguard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Open Lifeguard jobs are:
Open Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Open Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 56% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 25% Physical, and 75% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,774 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Opening Lifeguard

Opening Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Louisville

New Albany, IN • On-site

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

As the nation's leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers more than just a job. We offer you a career with a future and the chance to make a lasting difference in your community.
This position supervises daily pool activities for groups and is responsible for proactive communication and maintaining a safe pool atmosphere while preventing accidents. The purpose of this position is to provide a positive role model for members and to create a character-developing atmosphere.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintains constant surveillance of the pool area.
  • Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related reports as required.
  • Maintains effective relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
  • Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
  • Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.
  • Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
  • Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
  • Performs chemical testing when requested
  • Attends all staff meetings and training as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Uphold the mission of the YMCA, and demonstrate behaviors that reflect a determined, nurturing, genuine, hopeful, and welcoming nature.
  • Minimum age of 18.
  • People centered, service oriented.
  • Current lifeguard certification and Board of Health certification preferred
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Previous lifeguard and/or swim instructor experience preferred.
  • Completes required abuse risk management training. Adheres to policies and procedures in managing high-risk activities and appropriate boundaries of supervision. Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations to supervisor. Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements to authorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Ability to pass lifeguard water test.
  • Must be able to remain alert.
  • Tolerate heat and humidity for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
  • Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
  • Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
  • Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

The YMCA of Greater Louisville is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.

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