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Waterfront Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Camp JORI

Lifeguard

South Kingstown, RI · On-site

$30/hr

Lifeguard Certified lifeguards needed for pool and waterfront, 1 day event, Wednesday September 2 1:15-5:15pm. Pay is $30 per hour.

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$20.54/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 ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$20.54/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 ...

Jimbo's Club at the Point

Lifeguard

Brant Lake, NY · On-site

$22/hr

The Lifeguard ensures the safety of all guests during water-based activities at our waterfront areas. This position is responsible for monitoring guests, enforcing safety rules, and responding to ...

Point O'Pines / Jimbo's Club

Lifeguard

Brant Lake, NY · On-site

$22/hr

The Lifeguard ensures the safety of all guests during water-based activities at our waterfront areas. This position is responsible for monitoring guests, enforcing safety rules, and responding to ...

City of Hampton

Senior Pool Lifeguard

Hampton, VA · On-site

$19.40/hr

Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of ... Must possess a current Lifeguard Certification from a nationally recognized organization, i.e.

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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.

Waterfront Director-Resident Camp

New Milford, NJ • On-site

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Metropolitan YMCA of the Orangesexternal

$6.0K - $7.5K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility by providing a friendly, healthy, and fun atmosphere for campers during the camp season. The Waterfront Director will be responsible for providing a developmental programming to assist child/ren in personal growth, maturity, and socialization and to function as an authority as well as a role model to the child during his/her camp experience. The Waterfront Director will encourage child/ren to set new goals as well as to achieve established ones.*All qualifications for this position must be met by ACA guidelines, and the NYS Health Department.
 

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Ensure, above all else, campers are safe and well supervised while present at the program area.
  • Provide leadership to camp as a whole, including programming, safety and activities.
  • Oversee all waterfront programs, staff and campers supervision, training, motivation, evaluation within program activities.
  • Develop and execute, with the help of waterfront staff, program area lesson plans for the season.
  • Responsible for area specific training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of all assigned waterfront staff.
  • Assist with orientation and development of waterfront programs.
  • Oversee three (3) emergency drills per summer.
  • Maintains viable “buddy system” and “lost swimmer” procedure.
  • Oversee waterfront family nights and special events.
  • Maintain inventory & care for all designated waterfront activities and rescue equipment.
  • Ensure all surrounding areas of the waterfront area kept clean and orderly.
  • Review regularly with Camp Director all concerns, priorities, progress, and reports regarding camp and programs.
  • Create, maintain and submit all reports, inventory and evaluations as required. Maintain accurate records.
  • Report waterfront maintenance concerns in a timely fashion.
  • Work in cooperation with all staff and other programs on the property.
  • Attend all staff meetings and training events as scheduled.

DIRECT REPORTS: Lifeguards and CIT’s

Requirements:

 QUALIFICATIONS:

  • At least 21 years of age.  
  • Minimum three-year’s experience in Waterfront, and professional rescuer.  
  • Minimum three years lifeguard experience.  
  • Experience in supervision.  
  • Ability to create lesson plans.  
  • Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, WSI and Waterfront certifications.  
  • First Aid & CPR for Professional rescuer certifications.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity.Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid.