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Swimming Pool Lifeguard Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard, Senior

Durham, NC

$21.35 - $25.95/hr

Duties/Responsibilities Provides general oversight of the lifeguard staff and monitors all ... Swimming pool filtration and filter operation. .Best practices for handling money SKILL IN ...

Lifeguard, Senior

NC · On-site

$21.35 - $25.95/hr

Provides general oversight of the lifeguard staff and monitors all activities in the pool area ... Swimming pool filtration and filter operation. .Best practices for handling money. SKILL IN ...

Lifeguard - PT30

Durham, NC

$20.06 - $24.38/hr

KNOWLEDGE OF: -American Red Cross Lifeguard standards and regulations. -Swimming pool filtration, correct pool balance limits and testing and filter room operation. SKILL IN: -Supervising a swimming ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Swim Club Management Group provides comprehensive pool management, staffing, and renovation ... As a Lifeguard , you will play a key role in supporting this mission by maintaining a safe and ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Swim Club Management Group provides comprehensive pool management, staffing, and renovation ... As a Lifeguard , you will play a key role in supporting this mission by maintaining a safe and ...

Lifeguard

Durham, NC

$20.06 - $24.38/hr

KNOWLEDGE OF: -American Red Cross Lifeguard standards and regulations. -Swimming pool filtration, correct pool balance limits and testing and filter room operation. SKILL IN: -Supervising a swimming ...

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Swimming Pool Lifeguard information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$16

$35

How much do swimming pool lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for swimming pool lifeguard in Raleigh, NC is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Swimming Pool Lifeguards?

Swimming Pool Lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for monitoring the safety of swimmers at pools. Their primary duties include supervising swimming areas, preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and performing water rescues when needed. Lifeguards are also trained in first aid and CPR, ensuring they can provide immediate assistance in case of injuries or medical emergencies. They help enforce pool rules, educate the public on water safety, and maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all pool users.

What are some common challenges Swimming Pool Lifeguards face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Swimming Pool Lifeguards often encounter challenges such as maintaining constant vigilance in a sometimes monotonous environment, handling crowded pool conditions, and responding quickly to emergencies. To manage these, lifeguards use rotation schedules to stay alert, develop strong communication skills for crowd control, and regularly participate in emergency drills to keep their lifesaving skills sharp. Building good rapport with both colleagues and pool visitors also helps maintain a safe and positive environment.

Is 22 too old to be a lifeguard?

Swimming pool lifeguards can be of various ages, and 22 is generally not too old to start or work as a lifeguard. Many lifeguards are young adults or older, provided they meet the required certifications such as CPR and first aid, and have good swimming skills. Age is rarely a limiting factor as long as the individual can perform the duties safely and effectively.

How do I become a lifeguard at a pool?

To become a swimming 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 before obtaining certification from organizations like the American Red Cross or YMCA.

Where do lifeguards get paid the most?

Lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and in private or luxury facilities such as country clubs, resorts, or high-end hotels. Additionally, states or areas with a strong tourism industry often offer better pay due to increased demand for pool safety and higher operational budgets. Certifications like CPR and lifeguard training can also influence earning potential.

What is the 10-20 rule for lifeguards?

The 10-20 rule for lifeguards states that they should scan their assigned area every 10 seconds and actively monitor the pool for at least 20 seconds to ensure safety. This practice helps lifeguards stay alert and respond quickly to emergencies while maintaining effective surveillance. Proper training and certification are essential for implementing this rule effectively.

What is the difference between Swimming Pool Lifeguard vs Water Safety Instructor?

AspectSwimming Pool LifeguardWater Safety Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPoolside, aquatic facilitiesClassroom and pool teaching
Primary RolePreventing drowning, rescuing swimmersTeaching water safety and swimming skills

While both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications and work in aquatic environments, a Swimming Pool Lifeguard primarily focuses on monitoring swimmers and preventing accidents, whereas a Water Safety Instructor teaches swimming and water safety skills. The lifeguard's role is more rescue-oriented, while the instructor emphasizes education and skill development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Swimming Pool Lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Swimming Pool 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 emergency response protocols is essential. Excellent observation skills, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safety of pool users and enable prompt, effective responses to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to Swimming Pool Lifeguard jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Swimming Pool Lifeguard jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Swimming Pool Lifeguard jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Swimming Pool Lifeguard jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Swimming Pool Lifeguard jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Swimming Pool Lifeguard job openings:
Infographic showing various Swimming Pool Lifeguard job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,773 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$21.35 - $25.95/hr

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Re-posted 3 days ago


City Of Durham (North Carolina) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Work. Serve. Thrive.

With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve. A nationally accredited team of passionate professionals devoted to building better lives and a better community through the power of parks and recreation. Our talented team at Durham Parks and Recreation is devoted to community service and provides a diverse range of programs, services, opportunities, and experiences while being united through our core pillars of creating equitable economic impacts; advancing conservation; rejuvenating health and wellness; enhancing quality of life and sustaining social equity.

Hourly Rate: $21.35 - $21.89 Locations: Edison Johnson Aquatic Center and Campus Hills Pool at I. R. Holmes Recreation Center

Shifts Vary: 6:00am-8:00pm Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm Saturday, and 1:00pm-5:00pm Sunday. Position responsible for the safety and well-being of patrons while they are at the pool by serving as lead staff on site, providing leadership over lifeguard staff, educating patrons on rules and regulations, enforcing rules, communicating instructions, and providing surveillance. Incumbent leads instructional classes, maintains deck and facility cleanliness and safety, prevents injuries, facilitates periodic in-service training, conducts opening/closing procedures for the facility and the pool, regulates chemical balances, and renders first aid as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities Provides general oversight of the lifeguard staff and monitors all activities in the pool area. Assists supervisor and assumes responsibilities in supervisor's absence, primarily during opening and closing hours, including the completion of cash deposits and financial statements. Serves as lead staff on site, leads lifeguard staff, facilitates group job training, assesses quality of work and assists staff with duties.

Plans and instructs instructional classes for various skill and ability levels, provides feedback to participants and supervisors, and evaluates participant and course effectiveness. Assists with regulating chemical balance and air quality in the pool area and with managing chemical supplies and documentation. Maintains cleanliness of the pool deck, bathrooms, and showers, refilling supplies as needed.

Surveys the pool area, determines when to act, and issues warnings for rule infractions or unsafe behavior. Completes general safety checks and inspects equipment quality daily. Provides customer service by addressing patron needs and handling escalated inquiries in supervisor's absence.

Covers front desk as needed and enters patron information, program registrations, and fee payments into Active.Net recreation software system including cash handling with opening and closing procedures. Responds to emergencies, provides appropriate guidance to patrons, and administers first aid. KNOWLEDGE OF: -American Red Cross Lifeguard standards and regulations

-American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety Manual. -Training standards and skills. -Staff, facility, and program characteristics.

-Program rules, policies, and procedures. -Swimming pool filtration and filter operation. .Best practices for handling money

SKILL IN: -Supervising staff and delegating responsibility. -Leading and directing a swimming instructional program. -Communicating rules and regulations effectively to individuals and groups.

-Influencing behavior and conflict resolution. -Identifying hazards and unsafe practices. -Leadership and public relations.

-Report writing and record keeping. -Exercising initiative and good judgment. Minimum Qualifications & Experience High School diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSet, TASC).

One (1) year of direct aquatics experience. Must be at least 18 years of age. Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Possess and maintain valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate "and" either Water Safety Instructor "or" Lifeguarding Instructor certificate "or" equivalent certifications by another nationally recognized agency which is valid at all pool facilities. Additional Preferred Skills Available to work workdays early mornings, evenings, and various shifts on Saturday and Sunday. Willing to work at both indoor and outdoor pools.

Able to communicate through emails, texts, and phone calls.


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