Temporary Water Rescue Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $26.92 - $32.75 Hourly
Location : Various - Seattle area, WA
Job Type: Temporary - Non-Benefit Eligible
Job Number: 2026-00358
Department: Seattle Parks & Recreation Department
Opening Date: 03/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/16/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Do you enjoy fresh air and recreation outside during the summer months in Seattle? Do you love working with people? Are you looking for a fun, fast paced, team-oriented, and community-centered work environment? Come join the Seattle Parks and Recreation Team this Summer! We have multiple positions available supporting various recreation programs that will run June-September throughout our vibrant City of Seattle.
is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. We strive to deliver excellent customer service to each visitor and participant. SPR is also deeply committed to advancing the by working to end institutional and structural racism.
The Recreation Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities.
Looking for a great summer part-time job that pays $26.92- to start with an additional 5% Premium Pay in lieu of benefits
Apply to become a Seattle Parks and Recreation Lifeguard! You'll meet new people, make new friends and enjoy the pool and/or summer beaches while getting paid!
The City of Seattle's Department of Parks and Recreation is actively seeking new members for a team that connects with residents in each community across the City. Our department needs positive, hard-working professionals, who can continue to make Seattle Parks and Recreation an industry leader in aquatic programming. Our pools are a vital part of the culture in a city surrounded by water - where swimming is an essential life skill!
This job posting is for Part-Time Temporary Lifeguards. Although considered part-time, employees in these positions can work up to 40 hours per week if needed.
Job Responsibilities

• Monitors the activities of swimmers to ensure rules and regulations are observed and that safety hazards are not created.
• Required to rescue persons in distress or in danger of drowning, administer first aid in the event of injury, and assist handicapped and elderly patrons in and out of the pool.
• Conducts instructional programs for children, adults, and special population groups; teaches private and group swimming lessons, water safety classes, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, competitive programs, and water fitness programs to all ages and abilities.
• May teach first aid, CPR, AED, Lifeguard Training, and other specialized Red Cross classes.
• Ensures the pool meets legal requirements and policy standards for operation.
• Assists in water quality testing, cleaning, and maintaining the pool and related facilities.
• Interacts with the public, answers inquiries pertaining to the use of the pool.
• Maintains attendance and grading for instructional programs, and other related duties as required.
• Employees in these positions can work up to 40 hours per week.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must pass a background check and physical.
• Lifeguards are required to swim a minimum of 500 yards each workday and be prepared to perform in an emergency situation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience as a qualified lifeguard and swim instructor.
• Knowledge of water hazards, lifesaving techniques, and first aid.
• Ability to swim with proficiency and endurance.
• Ability to recognize hazardous situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to remain calm in emergencies.
• Specialized training and certifications as an instructor for various water education or fitness programs including Water Fitness, Swim Coach Certification, diving, etc.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• American Red Cross (ARC) approved certification for: Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and
• CPR/AED for the Lifeguard.
• The Northwest Lifeguard Preparation Course and Test Certification
• ARC Water Safety Instructor Certification may be required.

Additional Information
The full salary range for this position is $26.92 - $32.75 per hour.
SPR's Core Competencies:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Do you have strong swimming ability?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you currently have Red Cross Lifeguard Certifications including First Aid and CPR?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have the ability to pass the Northwest Lifeguard Test prior to the start of work?

• Yes
• No

Required Question