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Senior Lifeguard Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Clair Shores is looking to hire Lifeguards for the Senior Swim Program at South Lake High School. This position will be September - May Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM Lifeguards ensure ...

Lifeguard

Saint Clair Shores, MI · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Clair Shores is looking to hire Lifeguards for the Senior Swim Program at South Lake High School.This position will be September - MayTuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 PM - 6:30 PMLifeguards ensure ...

Parks & Rec - Level 6

Livonia, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $19.25/hr

Building Supervisor I - Supervises Recreation Center, Greenmead, or Senior Center facility ... Must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard training or nationally recognized certification ...

Parks & Rec - Level 6

Livonia, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $19.25/hr

Building Supervisor I - Supervises Recreation Center, Greenmead, or Senior Center facility ... Must possess a current American Red Cross Lifeguard training or nationally recognized certification ...

Senior Lifeguard information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$14

$32

How much do senior lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior lifeguard in Michigan is $14.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior lifeguard?

Senior Lifeguards are experienced aquatic professionals responsible for overseeing the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or water parks. In addition to performing regular lifeguard duties such as monitoring swimmers and performing rescues, they often supervise other lifeguards, coordinate emergency responses, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Senior Lifeguards may also provide training, conduct safety drills, and help maintain equipment. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining a safe environment in aquatic facilities.

How does a senior lifeguard typically support and mentor less experienced lifeguards on the team?

As a Senior Lifeguard, you play a key role in guiding and mentoring junior lifeguards through training, on-the-job coaching, and regular feedback. You may lead pre-shift briefings, demonstrate advanced rescue techniques, and help newer staff develop their observation and emergency response skills. Additionally, Senior Lifeguards often supervise rotations, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and serve as a point of contact for handling challenging situations, fostering both professional growth and team cohesion.

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

To thrive as a Senior Lifeguard, you need advanced swimming ability, thorough knowledge of water safety, and certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. Familiarity with rescue equipment, pool management systems, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills distinguish outstanding Senior Lifeguards. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety of patrons, leading junior staff, and responding swiftly to emergencies in aquatic environments.

What is the difference between Senior Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectSenior LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises others, manages safety protocols at pools, beaches, water parksMonitors swimmers, enforces safety rules at pools, beaches
ResponsibilitiesOversees lifeguard team, responds to emergencies, enforces rulesPerforms rescues, monitors swimmers, enforces safety rules

The main difference between a Senior Lifeguard and a Lifeguard is the level of responsibility. Senior Lifeguards typically oversee other lifeguards, manage safety procedures, and respond to emergencies with added leadership duties. Lifeguards focus primarily on monitoring swimmers and enforcing safety rules. Both roles require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but Senior Lifeguards hold additional supervisory responsibilities.

Where do senior lifeguards make the most money?

Senior lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living, popular tourist destinations, or large aquatic facilities such as water parks, resorts, and private clubs. Experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities can also lead to increased pay in these environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Lifeguard jobs in Michigan?

For Senior Lifeguard jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Lifeguard jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Lifeguard jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Lifeguard jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Lifeguard job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,180 per year, or $15 per hour.

Sr Lifeguard Special Services (General Services Department)

Detroit, MI • On-site


City of Detroit
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

734th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Uninterrupted breaks


$34K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Sr Lifeguard Special Services (General Services Department)

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/detroit/jobs/newprint/5438947)

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Sr Lifeguard Special Services (General Services Department)

Salary

$34,603.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

20261824724GSDdb

Department

General Services

Division

Recreation Center Operati

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1650-AFSCME NonSupervisory Local 542 Motor City Se

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

Description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

SENIOR LIFEGUARD - Special Services

Under general supervision, assists in the operation of a large public bathhouse and the conduct of swimming activities; oversees a mobile swimming facility and the staff of lifeguards and attendants, provides instructions in swimming.

Examples of Duties

• Enforces regulations and plans and coordinates details of swimming activities.

• Assists the bathhouse manager by assigning lifeguards and attendants to specific duties.

• Instructs staff in the performance of duties.

• Oversees the performance of activities by assigned staff.

• Monitors and enforces customer service levels.

• Maintains premises in clean and orderly manner.

• Enforces the rules and regulations related to the public in the pool, on sundeck, beach, and in locker rooms.

• Inspects condition of equipment and premises and arranges for necessary repairs.

• Prepares a variety of simple records and reports.

• Takes charge of bathhouse and adjacent facilities, in the absence of the supervisor.

• Oversees the equipment and personnel assigned to a departmental mobile swimming facility.

• Makes specific assignments to staff.

• Instructs staff in the performance of duties.

• Determines if conditions warrant closing of pool.

• Maintains order in and around pool.

• Promotes swimming program in the community by encouraging participation of community youth and by discussing the program with community leaders.

• Oversees the draining and flushing of pool and water systems.

• Organizes and directs free play and planned group activities at assigned swimming facility, as required.

• Provides first aid as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required)

  • High School graduation or GED.

  • Two (2) years of recent experience in supervising swimming pool activities including the organization and direction of group activities, maintenance of facilities, and supervision of staff.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

  • Valid Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard Instructor Certificates.

  • Valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate, or a Y.M.C.A. Lifesaving Certificate.

  • Valid Community Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate as issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association of Michigan.

  • Valid Standard First Aid Certificate as issued by the American Red Cross.

Equivalency

  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

  • Interview: 70%

  • Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%

  • Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

  • Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points

  • Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of first aid resuscitation and lifesaving methods.

  • Skill in the art of swimming.

  • Skill in tactfully dealing with adults, children, and subordinates.

  • Skill in administering first aid.

  • Skill in use of office equipment.

  • Ability to interact effectively with the public and departmental personnel with tact and diplomacy.

  • Ability to prepare a variety of simple records and reports.

Physical Demands

  • Must be physically and mentally capable of performing all of the duties of the classification.

Work Environment

  • Employees in this class are assigned to municipal swimming pools or a beach.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for benefit information.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

  • High School Diploma/GED

  • Associate's Degree

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • Master's Degree

  • PhD/J.D.

  • No Education experience

02

How many years of recent experience do you have in supervising swimming pool activities including the organization and direction of group activities, maintenance of facilities, and supervision of staff?

  • Less than 2 years of experience

  • 2 to 5 years of experience

  • 5 to 10 years of experience

  • 10 or more years of experience

  • No Experience

03

Describe your recent experience in supervising swimming pool activities including the organization and direction of group activities, maintenance of facilities, and supervision of staff.

04

Describe your experience supervising or coordinating swimming pool or aquatic facility operations?

05

Do you have the following:

  • valid Water Safety Instructor Certificate

  • valid Lifeguard Instructor Certificate

  • valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Cetificate

  • valid YMCA Lifesaving Certificate

  • valid Standard First Aid Certificate as issued by the American Red Cross

  • valid Community Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate as issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association of Michigan

  • None of the Above

Required Question

Employer

City of Detroit

Address

Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Ave ste 316 Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website

http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job

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