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Temporary Water Rescue Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Water Rescue information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do temporary water rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary water rescue in Columbia, SC is $18.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you remove a passive adult from the water?

A temporary water rescue professional should approach the passive adult calmly and supportively, using a reaching or throwing assist to avoid direct contact if possible. If necessary, use a rescue tube or buoyant device to secure the individual and carefully bring them to safety, ensuring proper technique to prevent injury to both the rescuer and the victim. Proper training in rescue techniques and safety protocols is essential for effective and safe removal.

What are water rescue people called?

Water rescue personnel are commonly called lifeguards, rescue swimmers, or water rescue technicians. They are trained to perform rescues in aquatic environments, often holding certifications such as Lifeguard Training or Water Rescue Certification. Their role involves swift response, swimming skills, and safety equipment use to save individuals in distress in water settings.

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the context of temporary water rescue, high-paying roles such as specialized rescue instructors or consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when they have advanced certifications, extensive experience, and work in high-risk environments. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications like lifeguard or rescue diver, and may involve working long or irregular hours. Such high daily rates are typically associated with expert-level roles or contract-based positions in emergency response or training services.

How do you become a rescue worker?

To become a temporary water rescue worker, candidates typically need to complete specialized training in water rescue techniques, obtain relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid, and demonstrate strong swimming skills. Prior experience in lifeguarding or emergency response can also be beneficial, and physical fitness is essential for the demanding nature of the job.
LIFEGUARD (P/T)- DREW WELLNESS CENTER

LIFEGUARD (P/T)- DREW WELLNESS CENTER

City of Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC • On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $14.00 - $17.50 Hourly
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202400053
Department: PARKS & RECREATION
Division: P&R DREW WELLNESS CENTER
Opening Date: 03/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Pay Grade: 101
Description
This position supervises and ensures the safety of all patrons and staff within the pool facility and monitors swimmers; ensures that lifesaving certification is current; enforces all safety rules; and performs related duties as assigned.
The work is considered light-to-medium in nature and involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: crouching, kneeling, lifting, standing, stooping, and walking.
Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, toxic/caustic chemicals, violence; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Essential Job Functions
  • Performs all lifeguard responsibilities including monitoring pool activities, teaching swim lessons, applying first aid and performing water rescues as necessary
  • Enforces pool rules and regulations of the facility
  • Conducts daily briefing sessions with lifeguards
  • Ensures lifeguards perform in accordance with established safety regulations and policies
  • Keeps the management well informed of pool maintenance needs including cleaning, chemical adjustments, and repairs
  • Assists in conducting and participating in various training sessions
  • Maintains rescue equipment
  • Oversees the maintenance of pool, including chemical balance, flow/filtration, heater/solar, etc.
  • Attends daily briefing sessions with Head Lifeguard
  • Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with established safety regulations and policies
  • Works mornings, afternoons, evenings and/or weekends;
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some relevant prior experience
  • Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License;
  • Valid American Red Cross certificate in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
  • Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
  • Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments. Stay alert and attentive and assert good judgment. Remain patient and understanding in dealing with patrons of all ages;
  • Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
  • Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar;
  • Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have relevant prior experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a valid American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question