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Temporary Water Rescue Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Water Rescue information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do temporary water rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary water rescue in Chicago, IL is $20.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Temporary Water Rescue vs Lifeguard?

AspectTemporary Water RescueLifeguard
CertificationsWater rescue, CPR, first aidLifeguard certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentOpen water, rivers, lakes, emergency situationsSwimming pools, beaches, water parks
Employer & IndustryRescue agencies, emergency services, outdoor eventsPublic pools, beaches, recreational facilities
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Temporary Water Rescue professionals focus on emergency water rescues in open water environments, requiring specialized rescue skills and certifications. Lifeguards primarily oversee pool and beach safety, with certifications tailored to their specific environment. While both roles involve water safety and CPR, Temporary Water Rescue personnel are trained for high-risk rescue operations in natural water bodies, whereas Lifeguards focus on preventative safety and rescue in controlled settings.

How much does a temporary water rescue make?

A temporary water rescue worker typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on location, experience, and certifications such as lifeguard or rescue training. Pay rates can vary based on the employer and the specific environment, such as pools, lakes, or beaches.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Rescue jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Water Rescue jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Part-Time/Temporary Lifeguard Support

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Located within the Office of Teaching & Learning, the Health & Physical Education Department manages all CPS Aquatics programs for student participation in both high school and elementary-level aquatic activities. CPS Physical Education programs provide all students, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally in controlled, safe activities both inside and outside of the traditional classroom.
Job Summary:
Under the general supervision of the school Principal, the part-time/seasonal Lifeguard support role will ensure the safety of patrons in an assigned aquatic facility. This position will follow established procedures to respond to and prevent emergencies. This part-time/temporary Lifeguard support position will be compensated for time worked at a pay rate of $18.00 per hour. The work schedule for this role will consist of an estimated 20 hours per week for an anticipated period of 10 months beginning in September 2025 and ending in July 2026. Due to the part-time/seasonal nature of this position, this role is not eligible to receive CPS benefits. This role will report to the Program Manager, Aquatic Safety.
The part-time/temporary Part-Time/Seasonal Lifeguard will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
• Supervise swimming activities at the aquatics facility
• Warn swimmers of improper or dangerous activities and behavior
• Ensure that policies, guidelines, and safety procedures are followed
• Enforce pool regulations and water safety policies
• Administer first aid in the event of injury
• Rescue swimmers in distress or danger of drowning; administer CPR and/or artificial respiration, if necessary
• Evaluate conditions for safety and initiate aquatics emergency action plan as required
• Inspects pool facilities, equipment, and water to ensure that they are safe and usable
• Other duties as assigned
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the part-time/temporary Part-Time/Seasonal Lifeguard must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required
• The following certifications are required:
o Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate, or equivalent
o American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or equivalent
o American Red Cross Standard First Aid, or equivalent
Experience Required:
• Minimum of six (6) months of related work experience as a lifeguard
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to evaluate water conditions at aquatics facilities
• Ability to adjust programs as necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and other staff
• Ability to judge and evaluate evolving dynamics of individuals participating in aquatic activities to immediately assess their capabilities and threats to their safety
• Knowledge of on-site protocols, operational procedures, and safety policies
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for providing on-site emergency medical services
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as necessary to communicate important information and/or direction to a wide variety of audiences, including staff, students, and others.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.