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Water Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YMCA OF SUPERIOR CA

Lifeguard

Fair Oaks, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $16/hr

Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. * Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations. Powered by ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Lifeguard (Part-Time)

Livingston, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Required knowledge, skills and abilities Knowledge of: • Water rescue methods and techniques. • Swimming strokes and aquatic techniques. • First-aid principles and procedures. • CPR ...

YMCA of Superior California

Lifeguard

Fair Oaks, CA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. * Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

YMCA OF SUPERIOR CA

Lifeguard

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$16 - $22.34/hr

Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. * Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations. Salary: $16.00 ...

City of Rosemead, CA

Lifeguard Swim/Instructor

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$18.61 - $19.54/hr

Enters the water to rescue persons in distress; resuscitates rescued swimmers; administers first aid to the injured, and calls Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on serious accident cases. * Organizes ...

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Water Rescue information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$33

How much do water rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for water rescue in California is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Water Rescue position, and why are they important?

To excel in Water Rescue, individuals typically need strong swimming ability, physical stamina, and knowledge of water safety, usually complemented by certifications such as lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR. Familiarity with rescue equipment (e.g., rescue boards, flotation devices, radios) and emergency response systems is crucial. Outstanding teamwork, communication skills, and quick decision-making set top performers apart in this high-stakes environment. These competencies are critical for ensuring fast, effective responses in emergencies and for safeguarding lives in aquatic settings.

What is a Water Rescue job?

A Water Rescue job involves responding to emergencies in aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, to save individuals in distress. Rescuers may work with lifeguards, firefighters, or specialized teams to perform swift water rescues, ice rescues, or flood evacuations. The role requires strong swimming skills, knowledge of rescue techniques, and emergency medical training. Water Rescue professionals often work in high-risk conditions and must be prepared to act quickly to prevent drowning or other water-related emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Rescue professionals and how are they addressed?

Water Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly changing water environments, and situations that require split-second decision-making. They address these challenges through ongoing training, regular practice drills, and teamwork, which help prepare them for a wide range of scenarios. Additionally, clear communication protocols and close collaboration with local emergency services help ensure efficient and effective rescues. Being adaptable and maintaining composure under pressure are essential to overcoming these common obstacles and successfully aiding those in need.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Rescue jobs in California? The most popular types of Water Rescue jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Rescue jobs in California? For Water Rescue jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Rescue jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Water Rescue jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Water Rescue jobs? Cities in California with the most Water Rescue job openings:
Water Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Rescue job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,592 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Lifeguard (Berkeley Y)

Downtown Berkeley YMCA

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Description
The YMCA of the East Bay, one of the largest YMCA's in the country, is looking for lifeguards for the Berkeley YMCA in Berkeley, CA. The Berkeley YMCA has 2 indoor pools, including a 7 lane lap pool, open year round.
The mission of the YMCA of the East Bay is: To empower youth, advance health and strengthen communities.
For more information about the Y, visit www.ymcaeastbay.org.
Job Description
NO LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION? We will train you for for free!
This is a great part-time job (6-28 hours/week) for students, retirees, and everyone in between who likes the water and working with kids. Our lifeguards maintain safe aquatic environments by providing careful surveillance of aquatic activities, rule enforcement, water rescue assistance, and first aid/CPR care as needed. In addition, our lifeguards provide excellent customer service to enhance membership experience in the pool areas.
We provide ample in-service training to upkeep lifeguard physical skills as well as developing customer service and problem solving strategies. Applicants do not need to have a lifeguarding certification to apply -- we certify incoming staff in American Red Cross Lifeguarding free of charge -- but must meet the following swim requirements to be eligible:
Required Swim Skills:
  • Swimming 300 yards continuously (demonstrating both freestyle and breaststroke) - this is 12 lengths of a 25 yard pool (or 6 laps) without stopping.
  • Treading in deep water for 2 minutes.
  • Submerging 7.5 feet to retrieve a 10 pound diving brick (without goggles) before swimming 15 feet back to the wall with the brick and climbing out without using a ladder/stairs).

Minimum Qualifications:
Must be at least 16 years of age
Demonstrate ability to swim in shallow & deep water as well as tread water
Excellent customer service skills
Patience and ability to communicate with members of all ages and backgrounds
Professional demeanor-punctual and consistent
Compensation:
$20.00-21.00/hour DOE
On the job training
Free YMCA membership!
Qualifications
Current American Red Cross or Y-Guard Lifeguarding Certification
OR
Able to attend and successfully complete American Red Cross Lifeguard training course at the YMCA
Additional Information
We strive to build a staff team that reflects the broad diversity of our community. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.
To apply directly to the Y, visit: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/YOU1010YMCAE/JobBoard/88cbfbf4-7090-43f2-847e-6e6f480acf71/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=dfb371cd-f2b5-4e6e-af3d-dd154b64b34c

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