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Pool Lifeguard Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Morro Bay

Pool Lifeguard

Morro Bay, CA

$18.63 - $19.57/hr

As a pool lifeguard, you'll be responsible for keeping swimmers safe and having fun! You'll get to work with a great team of other lifeguards, help out in emergencies, and ensure that the pool ...

SHADY CANYON GOLF CLUB INC

Lifeguard

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

SHADY CANYON GOLF CLUB INC

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 ...

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Pool Lifeguard information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$36

How much do pool lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for pool lifeguard 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.

Is it hard to get hired as a lifeguard?

Getting hired as a pool lifeguard can be competitive, as many pools and beaches seek certified candidates with CPR and first aid training. Employers often look for strong swimming skills, a clean background check, and the ability to work flexible hours, which can influence the difficulty of securing a position.

What are the most common challenges Pool Lifeguards face during a busy swim season?

During peak swim seasons, Pool Lifeguards often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds, staying alert for extended periods, and balancing rule enforcement with positive customer interactions. High noise levels and frequent distractions can make it difficult to monitor all swimmers effectively, so strong focus and teamwork are essential. Lifeguards also need to handle emergencies calmly while coordinating with other staff members to ensure rapid and efficient responses, making communication skills and resilience key to success in this role.

What is the highest paid lifeguard?

The highest paid lifeguards are typically those with advanced certifications, such as lifeguard instructor or advanced rescue certifications, working in high-paying locations like private resorts or luxury pools. Salaries can reach over $20 an hour or more, especially with experience and additional responsibilities.

How do I become a lifeguard at a pool?

To become a pool lifeguard, you typically need to complete a lifeguard training certification that includes CPR, first aid, and water rescue skills. Most employers require candidates to be at least 15 or 16 years old and pass a swimming proficiency test. Maintaining a valid certification is essential for employment in this role.

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

To thrive as a Pool Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and current lifeguard and CPR/first aid certifications. Familiarity with rescue equipment, emergency response systems, and pool maintenance tools is commonly required. Excellent observation skills, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring swimmer safety, preventing accidents, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What is the difference between Pool Lifeguard vs Swim Instructor?

AspectPool LifeguardSwim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPoolside, monitoring safety, rescue dutiesTeaching swim lessons, instructing students
Primary ResponsibilitiesEnsuring safety, rescuing swimmers in distressTeaching swimming techniques, improving skills

While both roles work in aquatic environments and require CPR and First Aid certifications, Pool Lifeguards focus on safety and rescue duties, whereas Swim Instructors concentrate on teaching swimming skills. The roles often overlap in pool settings but serve different primary functions.

What are pool lifeguards?

Pool lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools by monitoring activities, preventing accidents, and responding to emergencies. They enforce pool rules, perform rescues, administer first aid or CPR if needed, and maintain a safe environment for all patrons. Pool lifeguards are typically certified in lifesaving techniques and must remain vigilant and attentive during their shifts. Their presence helps prevent drowning and other water-related injuries.

Is 22 too old to be a lifeguard?

There is no maximum age limit to become a pool lifeguard, and many employers value maturity and responsibility. As long as you meet the physical requirements and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and lifeguard training, being 22 is suitable for the role.
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What cities in California are hiring for Pool Lifeguard jobs? Cities in California with the most Pool Lifeguard job openings:
Pool Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pool Lifeguard job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,305 per year, or $17 per hour.

Pool Lifeguard

City of Morro Bay

Morro Bay, CA

$18.63 - $19.57/hr

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

$18.63 - $19.57 hourly

This a part-time, temporary position.

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 pool lifeguards to join our team. As a pool lifeguard, you'll be responsible for keeping swimmers safe and having fun! You'll get to work with a great team of other lifeguards, help out in emergencies, and ensure that the pool equipment and chemical levels are all up to par. You'll also get to interact with pool patrons and provide top-notch customer service. Our pool is located on the Morro Bay High School campus, so this is the perfect summer job for local high schoolers! If you're ready to have a part-time job filled with sun, fun, and making a difference in your community, apply today to become a City of Morro Bay lifeguard.

About the Position: Under general supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator, provide a safe aquatic environment; rescue swimmers and assist other lifeguards in emergency response; check pool equipment, chemical levels, and report repair needs; maintain required paperwork; and, provide excellent customer service. Pool is located on the Morro Bay High School campus.

Qualifications: Strong swimmer; good physical condition. Successful applicants must possess the following required certifications:

1) American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate.

2) Minimum First Aid acceptable is 15 hours of certified training in compliance with Title 22 of California State Law.

3) Minimum CPR training acceptable is 9 hours of instruction—CPR for the Professional Rescuer or CPR for the Lifeguard (adult, child and infant CPR, use of breathing devices, AED and 2 rescuer CPR in compliance with Title 22 of the California State Law).

Hours/Scheduling: Early morning, and noon hours available six days a week.

3 – 25 hours per week with additional hours available during the summer.

Application Process: Applications must be filled out online at http://www.morrobayca.gov/832/Employment-Opportunities

Selection/Testing Process: All applications received will be reviewed for completeness, job related qualifications and proper certifications. Those candidates possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral interview. In-water skills assessment will take place at a later date. Morro Bay Recreation Services will administer all testing and interviews. Prior to being hired, all successful candidates may be drug tested and must pass a background check and fingerprinting. Candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Training: Once hired, all staff will be required to attend mandatory in-service trainings.

Final Filing Date: Open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.