1

Pool Lifeguard Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

San Bernardino, CA

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and ... Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA Lifeguard needed within 90 days of employment) * Ability ...

Conduct safety checks of pool facilities, equipment, and surroundings upon arrival. * Respond to emergency situations promptly, administering first aid and activating emergency action plans when ...

Lifeguard

Orange, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun ... Assists with pool chemical tests and records results accordingly * Ability to communicate ...

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun ... Assists with pool chemical tests and records results accordingly * Ability to communicate ...

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun ... Assists with pool chemical tests and records results accordingly * Ability to communicate ...

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun ... Assists with pool chemical tests and records results accordingly * Ability to communicate ...

Lifeguard

Orange, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

As a lifeguard, your primary focus is ensuring visitor safety, all while having a splash of fun ... Assists with pool chemical tests and records results accordingly * Ability to communicate ...

Temporary Lifeguard

Riverside, CA · On-site

$38K - $46K/yr

Enforce pool regulations and water safety policies, and ensure subordinate staff enforces these regulations and policies. Maintains lifeguard station and equipment in neat and orderly condition; as ...

Enforce pool regulations and water safety policies, and ensure subordinate staff enforces these regulations and policies. Maintains lifeguard station and equipment in neat and orderly condition; as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pool Lifeguard information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$38

How much do pool lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pool lifeguard in Riverside, CA is $17.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Pool Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA? For Pool Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pool Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Pool Lifeguard jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Pool Lifeguard jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Pool Lifeguard job openings:
Infographic showing various Pool Lifeguard job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,322 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Lifeguard

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Builds positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal skills and creatively finds ways to connect them to one another and the Y community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
  2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the "safe-in-six" model; completes related reports as required
  3. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area
  4. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code
  5. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed
  6. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving
  7. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action
  8. Identifies and celebrates the successes of members and program participants
  9. Attends and participates in all staff meetings and in-service training
  10. Performs other duties as assigned
YMCA COMPETENCIES:
Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y's work.
Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.
Developing Others: Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others' capabilities to attain the highest level of performance possible.
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
Innovation: Participates in the generation, experimentation, and implementation of new approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's mission and work.
Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration
  2. Current YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent (YMCA Lifeguard needed within 90 days of employment)
  3. Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
  4. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  2. Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard
  3. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility
  4. Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness
  5. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility

Background Check:
Once a conditional offer is made, candidates will be subject to criminal background check/fingerprinting and physical examinations where required. YMCA of the East Valley participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.