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Student Lifeguard Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Student Lifeguard

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Student Lifeguard 2026-2027 Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad and Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $17.50 ...

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE220024 Position Information Department or Unit Name Athletics- Pool Position Headcount 12 Position Title Student Lifeguard 2026-2027 ...

... Student Lifeguard 2026-2027 Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad and Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $17.50 ...

Lifeguard

San Jose, CA

$20.50 - $23.25/hr

The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus, and is ... Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of patrons in the Aquatics area. The priority is to ...

Lifeguard

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

Description Lifeguard $17.50 per hour for High School Students $19.50 per hour for High School Graduates Year-Round, Part-Time Position (Temporary, Non-Benefited) Choose Morgan Hill: The City of ...

Lifeguard

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

Community Services Opening Date: 08/04/2026 Description Lifeguard $17.50 per hour for High School Students $19.50 per hour for High School Graduates Year-Round, Part-Time Position (Temporary, Non ...

Lifeguard

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23.25/hr

The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus, and is ... Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of patrons in the Aquatics area. The priority is to ...

Lifeguard

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

We have the most up-to-date swimming technique to teach students how to swim the correct way right ... Lifeguard Reports to: Aquatics Supervisor/Assistant General Manager Description: The lifeguard is ...

Lifeguard

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$15 - $19.25/hr

We have the most up-to-date swimming technique to teach students how to swim the correct way right ... Lifeguard Reports to: Aquatics Supervisor/Assistant General Manager Description: The lifeguard is ...

Lifeguard

Coronado, CA · On-site

$17.33 - $18.63/hr

... students and guests; enforce and assure guest compliance with pool rules, regulations and policies; perform a variety of activities involved in maintaining District swimming pools in a clean and ...

Lifeguard Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Effectively communicate each student's progress to the student and parent, guardian, or manager ... Lifeguard Instructor Certification - Required * CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor Certification ...

Lifeguard Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Effectively communicate each student's progress to the student and parent, guardian, or manager ... Lifeguard Instructor Certification - Required * CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor Certification ...

Lifeguard

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

We have the most up-to-date swimming technique to teach students how to swim the correct way right ... Lifeguard Reports to: Aquatics Supervisor/Assistant General Manager Description: The lifeguard is ...

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Student Lifeguard information

See California salary details

$6

$15

$23

How much do student lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for student lifeguard in California is $15.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student lifeguard?

Student lifeguards are typically high school or college students trained and certified to supervise swimming areas and ensure the safety of swimmers. Their main responsibilities include monitoring pools or beaches, preventing accidents, performing rescues if necessary, and administering first aid. Student lifeguards often work part-time during the summer or school breaks and must maintain strong swimming skills and up-to-date certifications. This role provides valuable experience in responsibility, teamwork, and emergency response, making it a popular job for students.

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

To thrive as a Student Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety, and current lifeguard certification such as American Red Cross or YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, CPR, first aid, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use is typically required. Excellent alertness, communication, and teamwork skills help ensure rapid response to emergencies and effective interaction with patrons. These skills are crucial for maintaining a safe aquatic environment and preventing accidents or injuries.

What are some common challenges student lifeguards face while balancing work and academic responsibilities?

Student lifeguards often find it challenging to manage their work shifts alongside school schedules, especially during exam periods or when extracurricular activities increase. Effective time management and open communication with supervisors are key to maintaining a healthy balance. Many aquatic facilities offer flexible scheduling to support student lifeguards, but it’s important to proactively discuss availability and request time off in advance when school demands intensify.

What is the difference between Student Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectStudent LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentSchool pools, community centers, summer programsPublic pools, beaches, water parks
Employer & IndustrySchools, youth programs, community organizationsPublic and private aquatic facilities

Both Student Lifeguards and Lifeguards require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments. Student Lifeguards typically work in school or community settings, often as part of training or educational programs, while Lifeguards are employed at public pools, beaches, or water parks. The main difference lies in their employment context and sometimes age or experience level.

How can I become a student lifeguard at 16?

To become a student lifeguard at 16, you typically need to be at least 15 or 16 years old, complete a lifeguard training certification such as CPR and first aid, and pass a swimming skills test. Many employers also require a minimum age and may ask for a clean safety record and good swimming ability.

What are popular job titles related to Student Lifeguard jobs in California?

For Student Lifeguard jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Lifeguard jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Lifeguard jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Student Lifeguard jobs?

Cities in California with the most Student Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Student Lifeguard job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,950 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

$17.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Posting Details
Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link
https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/40508
Job Number
SE220024
Position Information
Department or Unit Name
Athletics- Pool
Position Headcount
12
Position Title
Student Lifeguard 2026-2027
Academic Year
Academic Year 2026-2027
Term or Semester
All Academic Year
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student?
Grad and Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range
$17.50 - $17.50
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done?
Orange
Approved Supervisor
Eric Ploessel
Supervisor Email
ploessel@chapman.edu
Scheduling
Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)
Desired Start Date
08/24/2026
Projected End Date
05/20/2027
Average number of hours per week
Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Basic Lifeguarding
Responsibilities
Supervise swimmers and guides swimmers to comply with safe pool conduct and performs rescues and first aid when necessary.
Required Qualifications
Must be CPR/ First Aid certified. Advanced swimmer
Desired Qualifications
-Proof of Federal Work Study Award
-Dressed properly and at tentative while in the tower on duty
-Knowledge of Chapman Aquatic safety protocols and contact information
-Proof of Life-Guard Certification
-Proof of Federal Work-Study Award
Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required?
Yes

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