LIFEGUARD REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications for Training
At least 16 years old
by July 2024
In good physical condition
Able to swim 100 meters in less than 1 minute 45 seconds
The Lifeguard Training Program
All lifeguards are required to complete their training and testing through the Parks with a four-part program, developed from over 50 years of outstanding lifeguarding experience. As the Parks Dept. While we don’t accept outside certifications , such as those by the Red Cross or YMCA, we welcome all applicants who are seeking to enhance their lifesaving skills through the Parks program.
Because of our in-depth and extensive training program, lifeguards are not fully certified until the end of the summer season.
The Program has 4 Parts:
In-Water Training Sessions for 2024
Develop your skills in a 12-hour, FREE in-water training, where you will learn all rescues and releases required to pass the Physical Performance exam. Advance registration is required!
Sessions are offered at
- Pulaski Pool, 2701 S. 16th St.
- Noyes Pool, 8235 W. Good Hope Road
NOTE: Testing is at same location as the training, UNLESS noted in the table below.
| Sat @ Pulaski Pool | Jan 20–Feb 24, 10am-noon | Sat, March 2, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
| Mon/ Wed @ Pulaski Pool | Feb 12–28, 6-8pm | Sat, March 2, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
| Tue/ Thu @ Noyes Pool | March 19–April 4, 6-8pm | Sat, April 6, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
| Sat @ Pulaski Pool | Jan 20–Feb 24, 10am-noon | Sat, March 2, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
| Mon/ Wed @ Pulaski Pool | Feb 12–28, 6-8pm | Sat, March 2, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
| Tue/ Thu @ Noyes Pool | March 19–April 4, 6-8pm | Sat, April 6, 8am | SIGN UP NOW! |
After mastering all the skills presented in the In-Water Training Program, you will be well prepared for the Physical Performance exam. First, you must be able to swim 100 meters in less than 1 minute and 45 seconds. You will then have to demonstrate and pass the rescues and releases taught in the class.
You will want to do well on this exam because you will be ranked according to your score. This score and ranking will determine if you will be hired and assists in assigning you to a location. Passing the exam does not guarantee employment.
After passing the Physical Performance exam, you will take an Emergency Medical Responder training course. With this 40-hour course, you will be prepared to perform CPR and other emergency first aid. This course goes above and beyond other first aid training, such as Red Cross training, and is required. There is a cost associated with this course, but if you are hired as a lifeguard and complete the summer season, you will be paid for your 40 hours of classroom training at your hourly rate.
After you have been assigned to a location, you will use all the skills you have learned from the in-water course and Emergency Medical Responder and apply them to site-specific policies and procedures. Time will be scheduled for crews, as a whole, to teach, learn, and practice these procedures. Before July 4th, each crew will be assessed showing that they can appropriately react and provide care following the procedures in different scenarios. Every member of the crew will have a role in at least one of the scenarios.
Apply to Be a Lifeguard
Without you, our community will have limited access to pools and swim lessons.
Start training now to be a lifeguard. Do some good, have fun, get paid! What are you waiting for? Apply now!