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Pool Lifeguard Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

Batavia, NY

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and ... Under the direction of the Aquatics Director or Coordinator, the lifeguard maintains safe swimming ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor pool activity & enforce safety rules * Perform rescues & first aid if needed * Provide top-notch customer service Requirements: * Must be 16+ years old * Current Lifeguard & CPR certification

Lifeguard

Webster, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor pool activity & enforce safety rules * Perform rescues & first aid if needed * Provide top-notch customer service Requirements: * Must be 16+ years old * Current Lifeguard & CPR certification

Lifeguard

Webster, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Monitor pool activity & enforce safety rules * Perform rescues & first aid if needed * Provide top-notch customer service Requirements: * Must be 16+ years old * Current Lifeguard & CPR certification

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Enforcing the pool rules to ensure a safe and clean environment * This position starts at $16.75. Lifeguard requirements: * Customer service oriented, with great interpersonal skills * Are strong ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY

$14 - $18/hr

Enforcing the pool rules to ensure a safe and clean environment * This position starts at $16.75. Lifeguard requirements: * Customer service oriented, with great interpersonal skills * Are strong ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY

$14 - $18/hr

Enforcing the pool rules to ensure a safe and clean environment * This position starts at $16.75. Lifeguard requirements: * Customer service oriented, with great interpersonal skills * Are strong ...

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, a lifeguard will uphold the rules and the guidelines of the pool to ensure the safest environment for all members. The position is responsible for ...

Lifeguard

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$18.25/hr

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, a lifeguard will uphold the rules and the guidelines of the pool to ensure the safest environment for all members. The position is responsible for ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, a lifeguard will uphold the rules and the guidelines of the pool to ensure the safest environment for all members. The position is responsible for ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, a lifeguard will uphold the rules and the guidelines of the pool to ensure the safest environment for all members. The position is responsible for ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.70/hr

As our new Lifeguard you will ... Maintain watch over the pool area ensuring a secure and safe environment * Employ accident ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.70/hr

As our new Lifeguard you will ... Maintain watch over the pool area ensuring a secure and safe environment * Employ accident ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY

$17 - $17.70/hr

As our new Lifeguard you will ... Maintain watch over the pool area ensuring a secure and safe environment * Employ accident ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.70/hr

As our new Lifeguard you will ... Maintain watch over the pool area ensuring a secure and safe environment * Employ accident ...

Lifeguard

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Inspecting pool equipment, facilities, and water to make sure they are usable and safe ... Lifeguard Certification Eagle Rock Management provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all ...

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Pool Lifeguard information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$16

$36

How much do pool lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pool lifeguard in Rochester, NY 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.
What are popular job titles related to Pool Lifeguard jobs in Rochester, NY? For Pool Lifeguard jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pool Lifeguard jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Pool Lifeguard jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Pool Lifeguard jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Pool Lifeguard job openings:
Infographic showing various Pool Lifeguard job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,297 per year, or $17 per hour.
Lifeguard

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS:
Under the direction of the Aquatics Director or Coordinator, the lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Maintains constant surveillance of the pool area and is rescue ready at all times.
  2. Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related reports as required.
  3. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
  4. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
  5. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.
  6. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
  7. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
  8. Performs chemical testing at appropriate times of the day, as required, and takes appropriate action.
  9. Attends all staff meetings and training as required.
  10. Maintains an attractive and clean aquatic environment.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Minimum age of 16.
  2. Maintain CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification.
  3. Current YMCA lifeguarding or Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification or Ellis & Associates Lifeguarding Certification.
  4. Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
  5. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
  6. YMCA Child Abuse Prevention; New Employee Orientation
  7. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with NYS Health Department Requirements.

Physical Demands:

Ability to pass lifeguard water test.
Must be able to remain alert.
Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS

  1. The YMCA will be recognized by the community as providing excellent service to all who walk through our doors or contact us by phone.
  2. The YMCA will effectively connect and build relationships with its members and the community, resulting in increased member enrollment and retention.
  3. Consistent, Superior member service and satisfaction will result in continued growth in membership, programs and special services.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.