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Part Time Lifeguard Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... part-time employees receive a free Silver membership to The Centre of Elgin Lifeguard certification and uniform costs are covered by the City of Elgin Clif Wells Scholarship Opportunity ($2500 ...

Saybrook Lifeguard Summer 2026

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-Time Lifeguard - Summer 2026 (Chicagoland Area) Looking for a fun summer job that keeps you active and builds real-life skills? We're hiring part-time lifeguards for the Summer 2026 pool season ...

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Part Time Lifeguard information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$38

How much do part time lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time lifeguard in Chicago, IL is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time lifeguard?

Part time lifeguards are trained professionals who work on a part-time basis to supervise swimming areas, such as pools, beaches, or water parks, ensuring the safety of swimmers and patrons. Their main responsibilities include monitoring the water, preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and administering first aid or CPR when necessary. Part time lifeguards often work flexible hours, covering shifts during busy times, weekends, or holidays, and must maintain up-to-date certifications in lifeguarding and lifesaving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time lifeguard?

To thrive as a Part Time Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety, and current lifeguard certification such as Red Cross or YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid, and CPR/AED protocols is typically required. Excellent observation skills, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for responding to emergencies and interacting with patrons. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure a safe aquatic environment and provide prompt, effective responses to incidents.

What are some common challenges part time lifeguards face, and how can they prepare for them?

Part-time lifeguards often face challenges such as maintaining constant vigilance during long shifts, quickly adapting to changing pool or beach conditions, and balancing their responsibilities with another job or school. Staying alert and refreshed, even during quieter periods, is crucial for ensuring swimmer safety. To prepare for these challenges, lifeguards should keep their training up-to-date, practice effective communication with team members, and develop good time-management skills to handle a flexible schedule.

What is the difference between Part Time Lifeguard vs Part Time Swim Instructor?

AspectPart Time LifeguardPart Time Swim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPoolside, outdoor or indoor pools, beachesPoolside, teaching swim lessons, indoor or outdoor pools
Employer & IndustryRecreational facilities, pools, beachesSwim schools, community centers, pools

Part Time Lifeguards primarily focus on ensuring safety and preventing accidents in aquatic environments, while Part Time Swim Instructors teach swimming skills and techniques. Both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications and often work in similar settings like pools and beaches. The main difference lies in their responsibilities: lifeguards monitor safety, whereas swim instructors focus on teaching swimming skills.

Is part time lifeguarding a good side hustle?

Part time lifeguarding can be a good side hustle for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, have strong swimming skills, and hold necessary certifications such as CPR and first aid. It offers flexible hours, typically during weekends or evenings, and provides a source of supplemental income, though pay rates vary by location and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Lifeguard jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Part Time Lifeguard jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Lifeguard jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Lifeguard jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Part Time Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Part Time Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Lifeguard job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,881 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$17.25 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW Responsible for surveying a body of water and conducting rescues to help weak or injury swimmers get to safety and the enforcement of all operational policies and procedures, rules and regulations ensuring the safety of our guests. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position reports to the Head Guards and Aquatic Supervisor Responsible for the safety of all patrons both on deck and in the water Responsible for teaching swim lessons Required to attend all necessary in-services Responsible for the cleanliness and facility decorum Provide general information on Parks & Recreation activities and facilities Maintain a positive public image and attitude with good public relations Wear appropriate staff uniform at all times KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Minimum 15 years of age Must have prior swimming experience Must obtain Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification We certify all our lifeguard candidates internally Ability to work pleasantly with patrons and co-workers Ability to enforce all rules and policies in a diplomatic manner Ability to handle prolonged periods of time in the sun/outdoors Be able to handle multiple duties/tasks Must pass drug and background checks MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Hours vary based on the open hours of each facility All part-time employees receive a free Silver membership to The Centre of Elgin Lifeguard certification and uniform costs are covered by the City of Elgin Clif Wells Scholarship Opportunity ($2500 Scholarship)