How to hire a Pool Lifeguard

How to hire a pool lifeguard, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pool lifeguard hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a pool lifeguard job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pool lifeguard
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the pool lifeguard you need to hire. Certain pool lifeguard roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A pool lifeguard's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pool lifeguards from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of pool lifeguards and their corresponding salaries.

   Type Of Pool Lifeguard	Description	Hourly Rate
   Pool Lifeguard		$10-16
   Swim Instructor	As the name entails, swim instructors teach both children and adults how to swim. They help people develop their swimming ability through proper swimming techniques... Show More	$8-16
   Lifeguard/Swim Instructor	The primary job of lifeguards and swimming instructors is to keep an eye and teach swimmers at both private and public beaches, pools, private resorts, public parks, and summer camps. They implement local laws and regulations of the facility and provide help to swimmers who are in need... Show More	$10-16

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • CPR
   • First-Aid
   • Water Safety
   • Cleanliness
   • Emergency Situations
   • Pool Deck
   • Safety Rules
   • Facility Rules
   • Resuscitation
   • Safety Regulations
   • First Aid Training
   • Professional Appearance
   • Incident Reports
   • General Maintenance

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and trained15 lifeguards, which develop leadership skills, provide experience handling administrative issues.
   • Order parts from various vendors, work with HVAC service company.
   • Learned life saving skills with certifications in both first aid and CPR.
   • Maintain optimal pool and facility cleanliness.
   • Provide exemplary cleanliness and monitor safe chemical levels.
   • Examine injured persons, administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation or contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.

   More Pool Lifeguard duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your pool lifeguard job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A pool lifeguard salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, pool lifeguards' average salary in indiana is 46% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pool lifeguards earn 37% less than senior-level pool lifeguards.
   • Certifications. A pool lifeguard with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a pool lifeguard's salary.

   Average pool lifeguard salary

   $13.59hourly

   $28,274 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level pool lifeguard salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated March 26, 2025

   Average pool lifeguard salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	California	$37,833	$18
   2	Washington	$37,042	$18
   3	Massachusetts	$33,346	$16
   4	New York	$31,878	$15
   5	Hawaii	$29,788	$14
   6	Colorado	$29,200	$14
   7	Minnesota	$28,296	$14
   8	Michigan	$27,711	$13
   9	Nevada	$27,284	$13
   10	Illinois	$26,674	$13
   11	Florida	$26,396	$13
   12	Pennsylvania	$25,104	$12
   13	Missouri	$24,872	$12
   14	Virginia	$23,866	$11
   15	Texas	$23,454	$11
   16	Ohio	$22,787	$11
   17	Kansas	$22,383	$11
   18	Georgia	$21,340	$10

   Average pool lifeguard salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Mt. Hood Community College	$34,405	$16.54	1
   2	State of Connecticut	$33,849	$16.27	5
   3	Town of Davie, FL	$32,245	$15.50	1
   4	Fairmont Schools	$31,969	$15.37
   5	Friends Select School	$31,389	$15.09
   6	City of Dallas Employees	$31,073	$14.94	1
   7	Trinity Health	$30,811	$14.81	12
   8	City of Hampton	$30,504	$14.67	5
   9	Great Wolf Resorts	$30,351	$14.59	9
   10	City of Spokane	$30,174	$14.51	2
   11	Forest Home Cemetery	$29,359	$14.11	1
   12	The University of Kansas Health System	$29,322	$14.10
   13	Department of Public Social Services	$29,011	$13.95
   14	Related Companies	$28,829	$13.86
   15	Hakkasan Group	$28,544	$13.72
   16	Chautauqua Institution	$28,431	$13.67	4
   17	Approved Cash	$28,415	$13.66	11
   18	Delaware North	$28,137	$13.53
   19	City of Hollywood,FL	$28,064	$13.49	4
   20	Howard County Government	$28,000	$13.46	2

4. Writing a Pool Lifeguard Job Description

   A good pool lifeguard job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pool lifeguard job description:

   Pool Lifeguard job description example

   Function
   
   Performs pool lifeguard duties in the interest of public safety at city pool facilities and elsewhere. Monitors pool activities and may assist in the planning and coordination of the lifeguard unit. May supervise others.
   
   Examples of Work
   
   * Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and enforces rules and regulations. Provides immediate backup to other lifeguard staff if there is an emergency.
   * Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas and proper safety practices. Rescues swimmers in danger of drowning. Administers first aid as required. Notifies appropriate officials of accidents, incidents, and disturbances.
   * Assists supervisor as needed to prepare and distribute bi-weekly schedules. Implements a rotating schedule of breaks and rest periods to ensure optimum lifeguard performance. Relieves lifeguards as necessary.
   * Maintains record book and creates reports for all accidents and incidents that occur.
   * Assists the Senior Recreation Professional in supervising the activities of the pool lifeguard unit.
   * Completes required reports such as daily operations, incident, and accident reports. Tests pool chemistry for correct water balance.
   * May be assigned to assist in teaching instructional classes to lifeguard personnel and the public to include an American Red Cross Learn to Swim class, water safety classes, and water fitness classes. Helps ensure that all required certifications of lifeguard personnel are current.
   * Interacts effectively with the general public in responding to concerns or complaints, and fosters positive and effective public relations. Responds to complaints and concerns of customers and citizens in a calm, helpful manner. Investigates and resolves disputes between staff and customers when required.
   * Inspects designated areas frequently to ensure cleanliness and performs routine maintenance as needed.
   * Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance.
   * Performs related work as assigned.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED is required. Applicants must be 18 years of age.
   
   Three (3) years of experience as a lifeguard on a public beach or in a public pool facility required with one year of supervisory experience preferred. Current Lifeguard Certification from a nationally recognized organization, i.e. American Red Cross, Ellis & Associates, YMCA of USA, or equivalent required.
   
   Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification is preferred. Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification is preferred. Applicants must have successfully completed training on Preventing Disease Transmission, Oxygen Administration. Training on the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is required, or must be completed within 30 days of employment in this position.
   
   Must have thorough knowledge of standard Red Cross lifesaving procedures and first aid practices, and have the ability to train others. Requires ability to be courteous and firm with the public; ability to investigate and respond to concerns from citizens; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups. Ability to follow oral and written instruction; ability to prepare written reports and to keep records. Must successfully complete physical testing to include demonstration of skills and abilities similar to a standard American Red Cross Pre-test. Examples of physical testing may include: 300 yard swim, brick retrieval drive, and two to three rescue demonstrations.
   
   Any person offered employment with the city in this position shall be required to successfully pass testing for controlled substances. Any person offered employment with the city in this position shall be required to successfully pass a background check related to this position.
   
   Features
   
   Performs duties under the general supervision of a Senior Recreation Professional. Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions. Extensive contact with the public. This position is non-exempt.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find pool lifeguards for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your pool lifeguard job on Zippia to find and recruit pool lifeguard candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit pool lifeguards, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new pool lifeguard

   Once you've decided on a perfect pool lifeguard candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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