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Waterfront Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JCPRD

Lifeguard I

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and Waterfront Lifeguard Certification required. * American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification required. * Strong communication and customer ...

JCPRD

Lifeguard I

Lenexa, KS

$13.25 - $17/hr

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and Waterfront Lifeguard Certification required. * American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification required. * Strong communication and customer ...

JCPRD

Lifeguard I

Olathe, KS · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and Waterfront Lifeguard Certification required. * American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED Certification required. * Strong communication and customer ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$22 - $24/hr

Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., supervising patrons and their activities, monitoring water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules, reporting ...

City of Coronado, CA

Pool Lifeguard I

Coronado, CA · On-site

$20.86 - $23/hr

Possession of a valid Waterfront Lifeguard Certification is desirable. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of swimming, lifeguarding and water safety. Methods and techniques of first aid, CPR and ...

City of Coronado, California

Pool Lifeguard I

Coronado, CA · On-site

$20.86 - $23/hr

Possession of a valid Waterfront Lifeguard Certification is desirable. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of swimming, lifeguarding and water safety. Methods and techniques of first aid, CPR and ...

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Waterfront Lifeguard information

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$37

How much do waterfront lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for waterfront lifeguard in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waterfront lifeguard?

Waterfront lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and visitors at beaches, lakes, rivers, or other open water environments. Their duties include monitoring water activities, enforcing safety rules, responding to emergencies, and performing rescues when necessary. Unlike pool lifeguards, waterfront lifeguards must be prepared for unique hazards such as currents, tides, and varying water conditions. They often undergo specialized training to handle these challenges. Waterfront lifeguards play a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives in natural aquatic settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waterfront lifeguard?

To thrive as a Waterfront Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and a current lifeguard certification (such as Red Cross or YMCA). Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid, CPR, and AED use is typically required. Excellent vigilance, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for responding to emergencies and interacting with the public. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers in open water environments.

What are the common challenges faced by waterfront lifeguards and how can they be managed?

Waterfront lifeguards often face challenges such as unpredictable water conditions, varying weather, and large crowds, which require constant vigilance and adaptability. Managing these challenges involves maintaining excellent physical fitness, staying updated on safety protocols, and practicing clear communication with both team members and the public. Regular training and drills help lifeguards respond effectively to emergencies, while teamwork ensures that coverage is thorough across expansive waterfront areas. Being proactive in identifying hazards and engaging with swimmers can also help prevent incidents before they occur.

What is the difference between Waterfront Lifeguard vs Pool Lifeguard?

AspectWaterfront LifeguardPool Lifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Waterfront Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Pool Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentBeaches, lakes, rivers, outdoor aquatic settingsIndoor or outdoor pools, aquatic centers
Employer & IndustryResorts, beaches, outdoor recreation facilitiesCommunity pools, gyms, aquatic clubs

Waterfront Lifeguards and Pool Lifeguards share similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Waterfront Lifeguards work primarily in outdoor natural water settings such as lakes and beaches, requiring skills for open water rescue. Pool Lifeguards operate mainly in controlled pool environments. Both roles are essential for aquatic safety but differ in environment and specific rescue techniques.

Where do waterfront lifeguards get paid the most?

Waterfront lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with higher living costs and greater demand for aquatic safety services, such as popular tourist destinations or affluent communities. Factors like certifications, experience, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with private resorts and high-end recreational facilities often offering higher salaries than public beaches or parks.
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Waterfront Lifeguard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterfront Lifeguard job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,774 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Recreation Assistant (Lead Lifeguard)

Great Lakes, IL • On-site

US Department of the Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about US Department of the Navyexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC); Naval Station Great Lakes. Incumbent provides lifeguard duties; is responsible for safeguarding the lives of persons at the assigned work area; assists with Aquatic training, education, and general support at the installation.Qualifications:Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.A qualified candidate must possess:
  • Knowledge of pool and waterfront safety rules.
  • Knowledge of the beach environment, marine life, and beach and water hazard is required for waterfront lifeguard positions.
  • Knowledge of DoD, DON, CNIC, and MWR policies and procedures governing aquatic assessment testing and certifications and use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
  • Knowledge of cash handling procedures, if applicable.
  • Knowledge of and ability to conduct pool chemical testing, document the results, and adjust chemical imbalances, as directed.
  • Skill in and ability to provide training,
  • Skilled or proficient in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications to perform a safe and efficient rescue operation.
  • Ability to appropriately identify hazards or hazardous situations and identify a patron's need for assistance immediately.
  • Ability to act decisively and immediately in any situation which could result in harm to a patron by identifying a patron in distress.
  • Ability to tactfully, but forcefully, provide instruction on water safety, facility rules and regulations and enforce them.
  • Ability to conduct routine safety inspections of the facility and pool area to ensure they meet environmental health standards.
  • Ability to exercise control over a large group of people.
  • Ability to perform the full range of work leader responsibilities.
  • Ability to direct the work of subordinate staff and appropriately manage conflict.
  • Ability to schedule work, handle last-minute changes, and evaluate performance.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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