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Recreation Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PT Recreation Head Lifeguard

Lompoc, CA ยท On-site

$18.09 - $73/hr

The Parks & Recreation Department continuously seeks candidates for the position of Head Lifeguard. However, there may not be any current openings. Under general supervision, to lead other lifeguards ...

Lifeguard (Recreation Attendant)

Aspen, CO ยท On-site

$17.32 - $27.93/hr

Lifeguard (Recreation Attendant) Department: Recreation - Indoor Aquatic Facility (Pool) Classification: Non-Exempt, Intermittent (less than 29 hours per week) Pay Range: $17.32/hour - $27.93/hour ...

Lifeguard (Recreation Attendant)

Aspen, CO ยท On-site

$17.32 - $27.93/hr

Lifeguard (Recreation Attendant) Department: Recreation - Indoor Aquatic Facility (Pool) Classification: Non-Exempt, Intermittent (less than 29 hours per week) Pay Range: $17.32/hour - $27.93/hour ...

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Recreation Lifeguard information

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$36

How much do recreation lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation lifeguard in the United States is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation lifeguard?

Recreation lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and patrons at pools, beaches, water parks, and other aquatic facilities. Their main duties include monitoring water activities, enforcing safety rules, performing rescues, and providing first aid or CPR when needed. Recreation lifeguards also help maintain a clean and safe environment, offer guidance to swimmers, and may assist in organizing aquatic programs or events. They play a crucial role in preventing accidents and responding to emergencies, making aquatic recreation safer for everyone.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety, and current lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certifications. Familiarity with rescue equipment, pool safety systems, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Excellent observation skills, quick decision-making, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for preventing accidents, responding swiftly to emergencies, and ensuring a safe environment for all patrons.

How does a recreation lifeguard typically collaborate with other staff during busy periods or special events?

During busy periods or special events, Recreation Lifeguards work closely with other lifeguards, swim instructors, and facility supervisors to ensure patron safety and smooth operations. This collaboration often involves clear communication, rotating surveillance zones, and supporting crowd control or emergency response efforts as a team. Lifeguards may also assist with setting up and breaking down equipment, coordinating schedules, and providing information to guests. Teamwork and adaptability are essential to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

What is the difference between Recreation Lifeguard vs Pool Lifeguard?

AspectRecreation LifeguardPool Lifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentPublic pools, water parks, beaches, recreation centersIndoor and outdoor pools, aquatic facilities
Employer & IndustryRecreation departments, water parks, beachesPublic and private pools, aquatic centers

Recreation Lifeguards and Pool Lifeguards share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in public aquatic facilities. The main difference lies in their typical work settings: Recreation Lifeguards usually work at beaches, water parks, or recreation centers, while Pool Lifeguards focus on indoor and outdoor pools. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, making them closely related in the aquatic safety industry.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Lifeguard jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Lifeguard job openings:

What states have the most Recreation Lifeguard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Lifeguard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Lifeguard jobs?

For Recreation Lifeguard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recreation Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,252 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

PT Recreation Head Lifeguard

Lompoc, CA โ€ข On-site

City of Lompoc
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$18.09 - $73/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENTS ARE generally for PART-TIME, TEMPORARY OR "ON-CALL" positions. These positions are non-benefited. The Parks & Recreation Department continuously seeks candidates for the position of Head Lifeguard.

However, there may not be any current openings. Under general supervision, to lead other lifeguards and participate in lifeguard duties, and to ensure the safety of pool patrons through accident prevention, first aid, and water rescue techniques; to oversee the program operations in the absence of the Recreation Supervisor; and to perform related work as assigned. Incumbents will work a varying schedule of hours, which may include early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to: written examination, panel interview and/or performance examination, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician. Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/EXAMPLES OF DUTIES The following duties are typical of this position. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Leads and participates in program operations to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons and personnel in and around the facility.

Trains, develops, and directs lifeguard staff; assists in developing strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Monitors lifeguards and other assigned part-time personnel on duty. Educates the public and staff on the facility's policies and procedures, and addresses patron concerns.

Maintains accurate records and prepares reports as required by the Lompoc Aquatic Center and/or the State Health Department code. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed; checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving; performs chemical testing, as required, and takes appropriate action. Assists the Recreation Supervisor in conducting drills, assessments, and in-service training as assigned.

Works with Pool Clerks in the daily cash balancing of fees received for pool activities. Performs lifeguard duties as needed. Assists in Recreation Division activities and special events.

Participates in regular staff meetings and training. Performs other duties as assigned. If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (805) 875-8208.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training, education, and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions, AND a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Lifeguard, or equivalent. Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years of age. License/Certifications Required: Current possession of the following certifications: Current and valid California Driver's License High School Diploma or its equivalent (GED) Basic Life Support (Professional Rescuer CPR/AED) First Aid First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard or equivalent YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor course or American Red Cross Lifeguard Management course or equivalent YMCA Lifeguard or American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or equivalent (preferred) Knowledge of: Lifesaving and swimming principles and practices; First Aid principles and practices, appropriate safety precautions and procedures, basic principles of training, basic arithmetic, simple recordkeeping; and safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the Aquatic Center.

Ability to: Lead and train personnel; maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness; demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA or American Red Cross standards; understand and administer the facility's rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and program schedules; responds to all patron, program participant, and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner; be a team-player and have the ability to think clearly and rationally; effectively relate to and communicate with diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community; make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy; maintain accurate records; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein 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.

PHYSICAL: Heavy Work - Lifting, carrying and or pushing 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds. May involve significant standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, handling, gripping, grasping, twisting at the waist, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending neck upward, downward and side to side, climbing stairs, crouching, and kneeling. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.

Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication; and hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility. Mental/Psychological: Works cooperatively and interacts appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; responds quickly to changing priorities; communicates effectively orally; performs effective multi-tasking; utilize basic reading, writing, and math skills; understands, remembers, and carries out job instructions; knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines; works under pressure; works within deadlines; trains other staff; and monitors, coordinates, and leads other staff on duty. Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

Maintain calm and practice good judgment in stressful and emergency situations. Model professionalism and relationship-building/customer service skills in all interactions. Effectively communicate with patrons, city and facility staff using authority, diplomacy, and sensitivity.