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Pool Guard Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Guard and patrol the pool to observe swimmers in the pool and surrounding area. * Provide assistance in emergency situations; provide air to patrons in distress and the immediate administration of ...

Lifeguard 2025

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... guarding their area of responsibility, responding to any level of incident around the entire facility, enforcing our rules fairly and politely, checking and maintaining pool chemicals, being ...

Lifeguard II

Piedmont, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

... pool - a brand-new, year-round facility in a beautiful setting, with expansive water area and programs for every kind of swimmer.Lifeguard II is a great fit if you've logged 250+ hours guarding and ...

Showing results 21-40

Pool Guard information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$36

How much do pool guard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for pool guard in California is $16.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pool guard?

Pool Guards, also known as lifeguards, are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and visitors at swimming pools. Their primary duties include monitoring pool activities, enforcing safety rules, preventing accidents, and responding to emergencies such as drownings or injuries. Pool Guards often perform rescues, administer first aid, and maintain a clean and safe pool environment. They are required to have strong swimming skills and usually hold certifications in lifesaving techniques and CPR.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pool guard?

To thrive as a Pool Guard, you generally need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and current lifeguard certification such as Red Cross or YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid, and CPR/AED systems is typically required. Excellent observation skills, clear communication, and a calm, decisive demeanor are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure prompt response to emergencies and maintain a safe aquatic environment for all patrons.

What are some common challenges faced by pool guards during busy seasons, and how can they be managed?

During peak swimming seasons, pool guards often face challenges such as crowded pools, increased noise levels, and a higher risk of accidents. Managing these situations requires staying highly alert, maintaining clear communication with other staff, and enforcing pool rules consistently to ensure everyone's safety. Teamwork is crucial—pool guards often rotate positions and support each other to prevent fatigue and maintain effective surveillance. Training in emergency response and regular practice drills also help pool guards stay prepared for any incidents.

What is the difference between Pool Guard vs Lifeguard?

AspectPool GuardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Pool SafetyCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentPrivate pools, resorts, community centersPublic pools, beaches, water parks
Employer & IndustryPrivate facilities, recreational clubsPublic facilities, aquatic centers

Pool Guards and Lifeguards share similar certifications and work environments focused on water safety. However, Pool Guards typically work in private or recreational settings, while Lifeguards are more common in public pools and beaches. Both roles require CPR and First Aid training, but Lifeguards often have additional certifications specific to public safety. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right job or training path.

Is a pool guard well paid?

Pool guards typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with salaries varying by location and employer. Experienced guards or those working full-time may earn higher wages, and certifications in lifeguarding can improve earning potential.

What cities in California are hiring for Pool Guard jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pool Guard job openings:

Infographic showing various Pool Guard job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,305 per year, or $17 per hour.

Lifeguard Swim Instructor - PT

Vallejo, CA • On-site

Greater Vallejo Recreation District
Education Programs Administration • 51 - 200 employees

$18 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Announcement


The Greater Vallejo Recreation Districtinvites applications for:


Position: Lifeguard Swim Instructor-PT Department: Recreation

Job Opening Date: March 10, 2026 Location: Cunningham

Deadline for applying: Open Until FilledPosition Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $18.00 to $19.00

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District is a Special Service District that has been serving area residents for over sixty years. As a Special Service District, GVRD operates as a separate government agency from the City of Vallejo. GVRD manages 407 acres of public park space including 20 neighborhood parks, 10 community parks, 6 special purpose parks, and Olympic-size swimming pool and 4 community centers. GVRD maintains over 1,000 acres of public land.


GVRD is governed by a five-member Board of Directors. With 30 plus full time and approximately 155 part-time and seasonal employees, GVRD operates on a 2025-2026 fiscal year budget of $12.969 million for general fund operations and Measure K funding amounting to $2.2 million. The Measure K funding is being utilized to purchase necessary equipment, improve parks, facilities.


LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR (P/T)
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by
employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the
job.


DEFINITION
Responsible for the safety and general welfare of patrons. Will instruct in the Learn-to-Swim
program.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under the general supervision of the Pool Specialists and Senior Lifeguards.
Supervision is not a regular responsibility of this position.

Receives general supervision from Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator.


ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

  1. Instruct various aquatic classes as designated by the Pool Manager.
  2. Guard and patrol the pool to observe swimmers in the pool and surrounding area.
  3. Provide assistance in emergency situations; provide air to patrons in distress and the immediate administration of first aid when necessary.
  4. Restrict swimmers within a given swimming area when necessary
  5. Warn patrons of unseen hazards and remove from pool area.
  6. Daily inspect life guarding equipment and making necessary repairs.
  7. Maintain order and enforce established pool rules.
  8. After last rotation, assist or give breaks to the pool office manager.
  9. Disinfect the locker rooms/changing areas, and maintain them during pool hours of operation.
  10. Keep the pool area in a neat and clean manner; perform a variety of custodial functions; scrub tiles and hose down deck.

Marginal Functions

  1. Attend staff meetings and training to review life guarding techniques, accident procedures, and other material.
  2. Perform routine maintenance work; assist in the office and do other related work, when requested.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum age - 15 years
  • Possession of current Lifeguard Training (CPR, First Aid, AED).
  • Pass practical skills test and written test.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license is desirable.


Ability to:

  • Interact effectively with diverse groups of people and respond to sensitive situations.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Ability to perform physical duties required of a lifeguard, including swimming, treading water, and assisting with water rescues.
  • Ability to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes without hands, and retrieve a 10-lb object from the bottom of the pool.


Experience and Training Guidelines


Training:

Attending or graduation from High School or GED

License or Certificate:

Current Lifeguard Training, Standard or Advanced First Aid, CPR/PR, and AED Certifications.

Water Safety Instructor certification is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Environmental Conditions:
Pool, classroom, and outdoor environment; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.


Physical Conditions:
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for swimming, running, walking, lifting, crouching or crawling; standing or sitting for extended periods of time.


FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


APPLICATION PROCESS


Deadline for applying: Open until filled


To be considered for this career opportunity, please submit a GVRD employment application online

Please visit Current Job Openings! - Greater Vallejo Recreation District (gvrd.org)

Examination

Oral Examination and writing assessment required if selected for initial interview.

Pre-Screening

GVRD will consider applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position and who have provided all requested application materials for an interview.

GVRD reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to those determined to be best qualifiedbased upon all requested application materials, including training and experience, cover letter, current resume, and responses to supplemental questions.

Pre-employment

Job offer is contingent on acceptable results of post-offer, pre-employment process including criminal background checks, employment verification and/or reference checks.

Other requirements:

  • Proof of legal right to work in the U.S.


Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

GVRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawful discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age or sexual orientation or military status of such person.