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Pool Lifeguard Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

Waukee, IA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Make sure the pool area is always properly supervised and attended in accordance to American Red Cross standards What are we looking for in a Lifeguard? * Maintain Red Cross Lifeguard certification ...

Certified Lifeguard

Davenport, IA · On-site

$10 - $18/hr

Pool Manager; Manager on Duty General Function: The overriding priority of all Lifeguard staff is to ensure the safety of all users of the pool. The Lifeguard role includes but is not limited to ...

Certified Lifeguard

Davenport, IA

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Pool Manager; Manager on Duty General Function: The overriding priority of all Lifeguard staff is to ensure the safety of all users of the pool. The Lifeguard role includes but is not limited to ...

Lifeguard I

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in ... Maintains active surveillance of the pool area * Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and ...

Lifeguard

Arnolds Park, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

To ensure the safety of all swimmers and the enforcement of all State and company pool rules and ... Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Arnolds Park, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

To ensure the safety of all swimmers and the enforcement of all State and company pool rules and ... Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Arnolds Park, IA

$13 - $16.50/hr

To ensure the safety of all swimmers and the enforcement of all State and company pool rules and ... Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Arnolds Park, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

To ensure the safety of all swimmers and the enforcement of all State and company pool rules and ... Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard

Showing results 21-40

Pool Lifeguard information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$34

How much do pool lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for pool lifeguard in Iowa is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pool lifeguard?

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.

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

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 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 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.

How do I become a pool lifeguard?

To become a pool lifeguard, you typically need to complete a lifeguard training certification, such as the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, which includes CPR and first aid. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a swimming skills test, and often obtain a valid certification before applying for lifeguard positions.

Where do pool lifeguards make the most money?

Pool lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living or in upscale facilities such as private clubs, luxury resorts, or high-end hotels. Additionally, lifeguards with advanced certifications or specialized skills may command higher pay, especially in areas with a strong demand for aquatic safety professionals.

What are popular job titles related to Pool Lifeguard jobs in Iowa?

For Pool Lifeguard jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pool Lifeguard jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Pool Lifeguard jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Pool Lifeguard job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,601 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Lifeguard/ Swim Instructor

North Liberty, IA

City of North Liberty
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$15.32/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safeguard guests from accidents, injury, or drowning by enforcing pool rules and responding to emergencies.

  • Plan and conduct swim lessons for individuals and small groups, focusing on stroke development, endurance, and water confidence.

  • Perform routine maintenance tasks such as testing water quality, adding chemicals, cleaning drains, and assisting with facility upkeep.


Job description

We're always looking for dedicated, talented individuals to join the City of North Liberty team. Whether your skills are in public works, public safety, administration, parks and recreation, or another field, there's a place here for people who want to make a difference. About Our Organization At the City of North Liberty, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds.

Every role contributes to the success and future direction of our growing city. We value not only technical expertise but also the unique experiences and perspectives our employees bring. If you share our commitment to service, teamwork, and community, we encourage you to apply.

About Our Community North Liberty is one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa, located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent schools, and vibrant neighborhoods, North Liberty offers residents and employees a high quality of life. With year-round recreational opportunities, community events, and convenient access to both small-town charm and big-city amenities, North Liberty is more than just a place to work, it's a place to call home.

Overview Lifeguards are to safeguard the facility and guests from accident or injury through firm and fair enforcement of the pool policies and procedures. Lifeguards represent the City of North Liberty Recreation Department in a professional and exemplary manner under all circumstances. Work involves performance of no supervisory duties.

The Swim Instructor is responsible for teaching swimming lessons to individuals and small groups of all ages and abilities, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of all swimmers. This role combines instruction, supervision, and light facility maintenance to provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable aquatic environment. Essential Functions & Duties Lifeguard Safeguard all guests from accidents, injury or drowning through alertness and firm and courteous enforcement of pool rules.

Be prepared to respond to a troubled patron, drowning victim or guest in the pool and surrounding area. Knowledge of all pool rules, policies, and procedures. Ability to explain these policies and their purpose in a thorough and professional manner while enforcing them in a firm, yet fair manner.

Administer the deep-water test to all swimmers and ensure weak swimmers stay in the shallow water areas. Maintain an active roving pattern, moving at all times with equipment held in the proper fashion. Perform daily inspection of your lifeguard chair, rescue equipment and chair pack.

Report any problems or concerns immediately to your direct supervisor. Be aware of the daily guard rotation, its prompt execution and provide the supervisor with suggestions for alternations as per the usage patterns. Attend all meetings, trainings and in-service activities.

Provide a clean and sanitary facility by performing routine maintenance as required. Report any damaged, broken or missing equipment or potential hazards to your direct supervisor immediately. Keep effective lines of communication open between you and your supervisors.

Follow the direction of your supervisor in opening and closing procedures and accomplishing common goals of the facility. Show respect for fellow staff members by treating them in a professional manner. Submit all written reports to your direct supervisor in a timely manner.

Assist with swim lessons or other assigned duties as needed. Swim Instructor Plan and conduct swim lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels, focusing on stroke development, endurance, and water confidence. Evaluate swimmers' progress and provide constructive feedback and encouragement.

Monitor pool activities to ensure a safe swimming environment and enforce all facility rules and safety regulations. Administer emergency care (CPR, First Aid, AED) and contact emergency medical services if necessary. Perform basic maintenance tasks such as testing water quality, adding chemicals, cleaning drains, and vacuuming the pool.

Assist with facility upkeep and sanitation to ensure a clean and safe environment. Provide excellent customer service by addressing questions and concerns in a courteous and timely manner. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Lifeguard Safeguard all guests from accidents, injury or drowning through alertness and firm and courteous enforcement of pool rules. Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding from the American Red Cross or an equivalent recognized organization. Be prepared to respond to a troubled patron, drowning victim or guest in the pool and surrounding area.

Knowledge of all pool rules, policies, and procedures. Ability to explain these policies and their purpose in a thorough and professional manner while enforcing them in a firm, yet fair manner. Administer the deep-water test to all swimmers and ensure weak swimmers stay in the shallow water areas.

Maintain an active roving pattern, moving at all times with equipment held in the proper fashion. Perform daily inspection of your lifeguard chair, rescue equipment and chair pack. Report any problems or concerns immediately to your direct supervisor.

Be aware of the daily guard rotation, its prompt execution and provide the supervisor with suggestions for alternations as per the usage patterns. Attend all meetings, trainings and in-service activities. Provide a clean and sanitary facility by performing routine maintenance as required.

Report any damaged, broken or missing equipment or potential hazards to your direct supervisor immediately. Keep effective lines of communication open between you and your supervisors. Follow the direction of your supervisor in opening and closing procedures and accomplishing common goals of the facility.

Show respect for fellow staff members by treating them in a professional manner. Submit all written reports to your direct supervisor in a timely manner. Assist with swim lessons or other assigned duties as needed.

Swim Instructor Must be at least 14 years of age. Prior experience teaching swim lessons preferred. Current certification in CPR and First Aid from the American Red Cross or an equivalent recognized organization.

Strong knowledge of swimming techniques, instruction methods, and water safety. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively supervise and work with individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Supplemental Information Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements Position requires light to medium work, exerting up to 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Some climbing, pulling, kneeling, stooping, crouching, feeling, standing, reaching, hearing, pushing, walking, balancing, lifting, grasping, talking, and repetitive motion is also required on a regular basis.

Visual perception range includes working at distances close to the eyes. Must be able to follow written, oral, or diagrammatic instructions, while using several concrete variables. Position requires exposure to both inside and outside conditions and noise.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement The City of North Liberty is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and comply with all applicable federal and state laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class.

The City of North Liberty participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. The City complies with the Immigration and Nationality Act and does not discriminate based on citizenship status or national origin. Applicants with Disabilities We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion.

People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of North Liberty. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources Department by phone at (319) 626-5746 or by email at amiller@northlibertyiowa.org

The City places a high premium on its image and, as such, expects all employees to consistently behave in a manner which reflects positively upon the City of North Liberty. This job description is not the complete statement of every task and responsibility that is required of this position. It contains the major duties performed by an individual and may require assistance with other tasks as necessary.