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Water Rescue Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Bay Club Company

Head Lifeguard

Fremont, CA · On-site

Ensures that lifeguards are fully competent in first aid, CPR, and all water rescue techniques * Supervise the activities of swimmers by consistently enforcing rules and regulations. * Notify ...

The Bay Club

Head Lifeguard

Fremont, CA · On-site

Ensures that lifeguards are fully competent in first aid, CPR, and all water rescue techniques * Supervise the activities of swimmers by consistently enforcing rules and regulations. * Notify ...

PIER 39

Security Officer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25.88/hr

All Security members are offered continuous training, including but not limited to: water rescue, fire suppression, CPR/First Aid/AED, and handcuffing certification. Successful candidates will start ...

NorthEastern

Water Fitness Instructor

Oakland, CA

$20/hr

Under direct supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Water Fitness Instructor provides water ... the rescue of drowning swimmers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close ...

US Navy

Aircrew Rescue Swimmer & Navy Diver

Felton, CA

... waters, flight lines, ship decks, and austere field sites; continuous training and qualification ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

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All JobsWater Rescue JobsWater Rescue Jobs in San Jose, CA

Water Rescue information

See San Jose, CA salary details

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$26

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How much do water rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for water rescue in San Jose, CA is $26.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.97 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water rescue?

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 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 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.

How to get certified in water rescue?

To become certified in water rescue, individuals typically complete a recognized training program such as the Water Rescue Technician certification offered by organizations like the American Red Cross or the National Water Safety Congress. These courses include classroom instruction, practical skills training, and assessments, often requiring candidates to demonstrate swimming proficiency and physical fitness. Certification usually needs renewal every few years through refresher courses or continuing education.

What are popular job titles related to Water Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA?

For Water Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Rescue jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Water Rescue jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Water Rescue job openings:

Water Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Rescue job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,330 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Head Lifeguard/Coordinator

The Bay Club Company

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of Aquatics, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for overall supervision of the lifeguard staff, including shift scheduling and training. Additional responsibilities include oversight of the pools and swimmers to ensure pool rules are followed and safety is a top priority.
Our Culture
Our unique culture is at the heart of all we do and is guided by our values and behaviors. It's what we expect of ourselves and each other every day. We call it our "Code of Culture".
Our Code of Culture includes Our Mantra, Our Actions We Live By, and Pete's Promise:
Our Mantra:
Respect The Past
Accept Responsibility
Pay it Forward
Our Actions We Live By:
Actions We Live By. It's who we are when we step into our full power.
Keep It Real. Always. We need open and honest discussions. We need courage to speak up and to call things out that aren't good enough. And we navigate tough conversations with empathy and grace.
Think Ahead. Be An Owner. Always be proactive, not reactive; be on the front foot. If we want to be an owner of this business, we must act like it!
Stay Humble. Hustle Harder. Show up and do the hard work. Be a gritty, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of crew. Know it's never about one person-we are a part of a powerful team.
One Team. One Voice. Be ONE united team. When we move in the same direction, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
Be Curious. Ask Why. Stay member curious. We seek to understand, and we never settle. We ask questions to truly understand the core of a matter.
Pete's Promise:
Service Forward
Ruthlessly Consistent
Do the Right Thing
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Assists in the scheduling, training, supervision, development of those supervised in accordance with company policies and directives
  • Onboards new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities.
  • Ensures that all lifeguards are current on their training and certifications
  • Schedules, coordinates and conducts in service training. Ensures that lifeguards are fully competent in first aid, CPR, and all water rescue techniques
  • Supervise the activities of swimmers by consistently enforcing rules and regulations.
  • Notify swimmers of improper activities or hazards.
  • Rescue persons in distress or in danger of drowning when indicated and provide rescue breathing, CPR and First Aid.
  • Notify Aquatics Director of any accidents, rescues, or problems.
  • Report to the Aquatics Director any equipment that needs repair.
  • Answer inquiries pertaining to the use of the pool and Aquatics services offered.
  • Direct all helpful suggestions from participants and others to Aquatics Director or Club Management
  • Attend all staff meetings and trainings.
  • Monitor uniform adherence of all staff
  • Help keep pool decks clean, safe, and organized.
  • Attend all staff meetings and trainings.
  • Follow all safety procedures and precautions.
  • Ensures that swimmers are well supervised in the pool and on decks. Fills in for lifeguards as necessary
  • Give high quality of Member and Guest Service
    • This includes giving full attention to the pool/swimmers while in the guard chair. Do not have a conversation, if a member needs assistance, please refer him/her to the Head Lifeguard or to the Service Desk.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
  • Current Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, AED & First Aid certifications.
  • Knowledge of water hazards, lifesaving techniques and first aid, recognize hazardous situations, and adopt effective courses of action.
  • Effective communication skills and engage positively with membership.
  • Require attentiveness to visual and audible cues for recognition and identification of swimmers in distress or in process of unsafe behaviors.
  • Requires proficient swimming ability and the proper application of rescue and first-aid techniques.
  • Ability to properly extract victims from the pool(s) to the deck.
  • Oral Comprehension and Expression -Ability to understand and communicate so others can understand ideas and information.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work is typically performed outdoors in varying and occasionally extreme (hot) weather conditions.
  • Ability to arrive at work on time for all scheduled work shifts required. Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays required.
  • Must be flexible, adaptable, and readily able to adjust to changes in work environment.
  • Position requires daily public contact.
  • It is sometimes necessary to deal with unpleasant or angry people with the need to problem solve difficult situations.
  • It is necessary to adapt to a frequently changing environment.
  • Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently required to climb or balance and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Must occasionally sit for extended periods and regularly walk around the facility.
  • Must occasionally talk and hear.
  • Must frequently move 10 pounds and in the event of an emergency lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required but this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Mobility around and in the pool.

JOB DESCRIPTION REVISION
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. This job description replaces all previous descriptions for this position.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bay Club Company ("TBCC") provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race (and all traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed (including, but not limited to, religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and breastfeeding, and other related medical conditions), sexual orientation and identity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceived national origin/ancestry, accent or ability to speak English, age, disability, marital/familial status, source of income, veteran status, citizenship status, political activities or affiliations, medical condition, genetic information, persons with AIDS or AIDS-related condition, or persons who are victims of domestic violence.

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