Pool Lifeguard Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.85 - $21.82 Hourly
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Hourly Extra-Help
Job Number: 26-77
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 02/09/2026
Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Seasonal Lifeguard to work at City pools. These positions are utilized year-round, scheduled part-time, not to exceed 999 hours per fiscal year.
Examples of Duties
The duties of a Pool Lifeguard include observing and providing for patron safety at municipal swimming pool facilities through rescue and lifeguarding duties, by explaining and enforcing rules, providing swimming instruction, and administering first aid, artificial respiration and CPR; additional duties include maintaining facilities, cashiering, keeping accurate records, and other work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess a variety of swimming and diving skills; possess sufficient strength, agility, hearing and visual acuity to perform the required duties of a pool lifeguard and swim instructor. Some lifeguarding or swimming instruction experience is desirable.
Training:
Completion of a Lifeguard Training Course, AND the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer course (or equivalent).
License/Certifications:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the Professional Rescuer (2-person CPR), Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or equivalent.
• Lifeguard Training.
• As a condition of employment, the incumbent must obtain the following, within six (6) months from the date of hire: Emergency Medical Response.

Applicants younger than age 18 must provide an authorized work permit prior to the start of employment. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain the correct work permit. Work permits are obtained after an offer of employment is made.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Seasonal Lifeguards are required to work at an outdoor public pool and are exposed to inclement weather conditions or potentially hazardous chemicals; work in and around water.
Physical Conditions: Seasonal Lifeguards are required to perform emergency lifesaving functions and water rescue which include swimming, administering first aid, CPR and AED, lifting, carrying or other physical labor; on a continuous basis to walk, stand, bend, crouch or stoop while supervising class participants; sit, kneel, bend, and stand for long periods of time; speak and hear to exchange information; write or use keyboard; read and interpret information; have visual acuity to assess variety of situations and respond to those situations; must be able to work extended hours including late evenings, early mornings and weekends.
Testing Information:
The examination process includes a performance exam and an oral interview.
Performance Exam: Candidates must complete 100 yards swim within 2 minutes; demonstrating the following strokes using an instructional quality form: front crawl, back crawl, sidestroke (left and right), breaststroke and elementary backstroke. Demonstrating the recovery of a passive victim using an appropriate entry, approach and carry. Demonstrating various related skills such as underwater swimming, brick recovery, treading water, in line stabilization exiting the pool without assistance. Testing process will also include a practical exam of CPR and First Aid knowledge.
Oral Board Interview: Oral interviews will be held the SAME DAY as the test date, usually following the performance exam. Interviews are designed to ensure that candidates have the qualifications necessary to fill the positions.
You must attach all required certifications to be considered. Applications received without proper certifications will not be considered.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
Should the available job openings be filled as the result of the first exam, the City retains the right to cancel examination dates.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
Changes to Accrued Paid Sick Leave
for Hourly Extra Help & Part-Time Employees
Effective January 1, 2024
Senate Bill (SB) 616 went into effect January 1, 2024 as an amendment to SB 1522. The new bill increases the number of sick leave hours accrued and sick leave hours able to be used by Hourly Extra Help and Part-Time employees in a calendar year. It will not apply to retired annuitants. The law states that, unless exempt, the part- time employee is entitled to receive the minimum requirements for paid sick leave. The City of Oceanside will ensure that part-time employees will accrue paid sick leave pursuant to the minimum requirements stated in the California Labor Code §245 et seq. which provides that an employee:
a. May accrue 1 hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked up to 80 hours per year;
b. May request and use up to 5 days or 40 hours of accrued paid sick leave per year;
c. May not be terminated or retaliated against for using or requesting the use of accrued paid sick
leave; and
d. Has the right to file a complaint against an employer who retaliates or discriminates against an
employee for
1. requesting or using accrued sick days;
2. attempting to exercise the right to use accrued paid sick days;
3. filing a complaint or alleging a violation of Article 1.5 section 245 et seq. of the
California Labor Code;
4. cooperating in an investigation or prosecution of an alleged violation of this Article
or opposing any policy or practice or act that is prohibited by Article 1.5 section 245 et seq. of the California Labor Code.
Sick leave accruals for Hourly Extra Help and Part-Time employees cannot be used in the first 90 days of employment for newly hired employees. If unused, up to 40 hours can roll into the next calendar year in the Pay Period containing January 1. A maximum of 80 hours can be retained annually after roll over, however only 40 hours can be used per year. The employer is not required to pay out accrued, unused paid sick days at the time of termination. If the employee is rehired within one year, previously accrued and unused paid sick days shall be reinstated.
Sick pay codes have been developed to use hourly sick leave:
- Code 24 - Sick HX Self
- Code 25 - Sick HX Family
- Code 26 - FMLA Sick HX Self
- Code 27 - FMLA Sick HX Family
Reports have been developed to help managers and supervisors in tracking leave usage. Employees will have access to view balances anytime in Oracle Time Entry. Balances will be updated each pay period and can be viewed on the electronic wage statement.
Please visit for additional information or contact Sarah Curtis in the Human Resources Department at (760) 435-3508 if you have questions.
01
Please Note: Applications that do not include all of the required certifications as noted on the job announcement will be disqualified. Did you attach all of the required certifications to your application?

• YES
• NO

02
Do you have a current Lifeguarding Training Certification?If yes, please attach your certification.

• YES
• NO

03
Do you have a current valid American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR for the Professional Rescuer) certification? If yes, please attach your certification.

• YES
• NO

04
Are you willing to work varying shifts, weekends and holidays?

• YES
• NO

05
Please provide your availability to work (please indicate days of the week and times you are available).
06
Are you a current or former City of Oceanside Lifeguard Academy participant? If yes, please list the dates of the Lifeguard Academy you participated in.
07
CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omission of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question