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Shallow Water Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$15.75/hr

Position Shallow Water Lifeguard - $15.75/hour Full-Time/Part-Time Seasonal Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Description Lifeguards are responsible for providing a safe and fun environment for guests while ...

Lifeguard

Janesville, WI ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

American Red Cross Lifeguard or Shallow Water Lifeguard, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED, First Aid. * Willingness to attend meetings, training, and obtain additional certification as requested.

Lifeguard

Gulfport, MS ยท On-site

$7.50/hr

Shallow Water Lifeguard - $7.50/hr. (limited positions available) * Special Facilities Lifeguard - $8.25/hr. or more based on experience and * qualifications * Lifeguards 18+ - starting pay rate of ...

Lifeguard

Gulfport, MS ยท On-site

$7.50/hr

Shallow Water Lifeguard - $7.50/hr. (limited positions available) * Special Facilities Lifeguard - $8.25/hr. or more based on experience and * qualifications * Lifeguards 18+ - starting pay rate of ...

Lifeguard

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$11/hr

Shallow Water Lifeguard - $10.50/hr. (limited positions available) * Special Facilities Lifeguard - $11/hr. or more based on experience and * qualifications * Lifeguards 18+ - starting pay rate of ...

Lifeguard

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$11/hr

Shallow Water Lifeguard - $10.50/hr. (limited positions available) * Special Facilities Lifeguard - $11/hr. or more based on experience and * qualifications * Lifeguards 18+ - starting pay rate of ...

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Shallow Water Lifeguard information

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$9

$17

$37

How much do shallow water lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for shallow water lifeguard in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shallow water lifeguard?

A Shallow Water Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers in water up to a designated depth, typically no deeper than five to six feet. They monitor water activities, enforce safety rules, and provide rescue assistance if needed. These lifeguards are trained in CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques specific to shallow water environments. They often work at pools, water parks, and designated shallow water areas in larger aquatic facilities. Their primary goal is to prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies.

What are the main daily responsibilities of a shallow water lifeguard?

A Shallow Water Lifeguard's main daily responsibilities include monitoring swimmers to prevent accidents, enforcing pool rules, and responding quickly to any emergencies in water depths of up to 5 or 6 feet. Lifeguards routinely inspect safety equipment, maintain a clean and hazard-free pool area, and may assist with basic first aid or swim instruction as needed. Teamwork is essential, as lifeguards often collaborate with supervisors and other staff to ensure thorough coverage and efficient emergency response. This role is ideal for individuals who are attentive, safety-focused, and enjoy working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

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

To thrive as a Shallow Water Lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, situational awareness, the ability to perform water rescues in shallow settings, and completion of recognized lifeguard training such as American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard certification. Certification in CPR, first aid, and the use of rescue equipment like backboards are typically required. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and a calm, attentive demeanor are important soft skills in this role. These skills and certifications are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of swimmers in pools and shallow waterfront environments.

Where do shallow water lifeguards make the most money?

Shallow water lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with higher living costs or where there is strong demand for aquatic safety, such as popular tourist destinations or affluent communities. Factors like certifications, experience, and the type of facility also influence earning potential, with private clubs and resorts often offering higher pay than public pools. Overall, wages vary widely based on location and employer.
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Cities with the most Shallow Water Lifeguard job openings:

What states have the most Shallow Water Lifeguard jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Shallow Water Lifeguard jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Shallow Water Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,774 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Shallow Water Lifeguard

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

Ocean Breeze Waterpark
201 - 500 employees

$14 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

No previous lifeguard experience or certification required.
Lifeguard certification classes offered through Ocean Breeze Waterpark.
Benefits:
  • FREE Season Pass
  • Free Tickets
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Career Development
  • Bonus Opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and provide surveillance of swimmers according to the established protection standards
  • Perform water rescues on guests in distress
  • Provide basic first aid and emergency care
  • Maintain knowledge of and consistently enforce the rules and regulations of the water park (including attraction requirements such as height restrictions, weight restrictions, proper riding position, etc.)
  • Attend weekly in-service training sessions to maintain CPR, first aid, and rescue skills at a rescue ready level
  • Communicate with others, including the use of emergency phones, whistles, and hand signals
  • Assist customers in safely riding attractions
  • Be attentive
  • Maintain a professional image
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment for customers and other team members
  • Provide superior guest service to all customers in a polite and expedient manner
  • Assist customers with questions regarding Ocean Breeze Waterpark
  • Follow park policies and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 15 years of age
  • Ability to successfully complete and pass a Jeff Ellis and Associate lifeguard training course. Courses offered through Ocean Breeze Waterpark. No prior certification required.
  • Excellent recognition skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, team members, and leadership
  • Ability to accept guidance and supervision
  • Be aware, attentive, and work well with others
  • Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions while taking precautions, including hydration and sun-protection

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to swim a minimum of 50 yards for Shallow Water Lifeguards or 200 yards for Special Facilities Lifeguards using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke without resting
  • Must be able to perform a feet-first surface dive to retrieve a 10-lb. brick from depths up to 5 feet for Shallow Water Lifeguards and up to depths of 10 feet for Special Facilities Lifeguards, and bring it to the surface
  • Must be able to tread water without using arms for 2 minutes for Special Facilities Lifeguards. No Tread required for Shallow Water Lifeguards.
  • Shallow Water lifeguards must swim underwater for a distance of 10 feet.
  • Must have 20/25 corrected vision
  • Must have hearing and speech, manual and bi-manual dexterity, fine and gross motor skills, and eye/hand coordination.
  • Must be able to get in and out of a pool without the use of a ladder
  • Must be comfortable jumping in the water from varying heights
  • Ability to climb stairs
  • Must be able to respond to situations quickly. This may include running to various locations around the park while carrying an equipment bag weighing up to 25lbs.
  • Must be able to sit, stand or walk for extended periods of time

We also offer a retention bonus of up to $500 for team members that average a certain number of hours per week during the qualifying time period and work through a specified date. Details about eligibility requirements for the Retention Bonus will be provided at a later date.
Jump into our talent pool! Are you looking for a fun, outdoor, summer job and great co-workers?
Flexible schedules! Free season pass for yourself and free tickets for friends and family!
No experience is required for most of our positions. We will train you and you will learn and build job skills.
Pay Range: $14.00 - $15.25 per hour