Lifeguard Jobs
Lifeguard jobs are open across aquatic centers, beaches, resorts, and municipal recreation departments, at every level from entry-level seasonal to head lifeguard and aquatics director, with specializations in ocean rescue, pool surveillance, and water safety instruction. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Lifeguard jobs
This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.
Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be able to swim a minimum of 300 yards using front crawl and breaststroke, and tread water for 2 minutes. Must be able to surface dive to a depth of 6’7” to retrieve a ten-pound brick and exit the pool unassisted without using the ladder. Must be able to respond in an emergency at any time.
Licenses and Certifications: Must possess and maintain current American Red Cross Deep Water Lifeguard, CPR, AED, and First Aid Certifications from the American Red Cross. Job offer for Lifeguard Technician position will be contingent upon satisfactory performance of skills/knowledge of lifeguard material.
Skills: Must have good oral communication skills. Interpersonal skills necessary to be courteous of fellow employees and customers while performing duties. Work well with young children and adults.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions:Responsible for teaching lifeguard classes, CPR classes, and lifeguarding. Responsible for the safety and health of all patrons and enforcement of all facility and agency regulations and policies; assist in overseeing lifeguard staff, pool operations, safety and facility cleanliness. Provides lifeguarding, life safety support, teaching water safety skills, and providing great customer service. Maintains concentrated observation of swimmers in duty area in order to anticipate problems. Enforces all policies and regulations; and participates in regular in-service training. Keep pool deck, spectator stands, bathrooms, and guard office clean and safe from hazards. Additional duties that may be assigned.
Mental and Physical Abilities: Must be able to lift no less than 50lbs. Job offer for Lifeguard position will be contingent upon satisfactory performance of skills/knowledge of lifeguard material.
Working Conditions: Work is performed indoors exposed to humid temperatures extremes, noisy, and hot in the facility.
Additional Information: Selected applicants must pass background investigation, physical examination, and drug screen. The work period of 20 hours per week (minimum) is flexible but is expected.
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Find Lifeguard JobsLifeguard Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lifeguard jobs.
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent from a recognized organization
- CPR and AED certification for professional rescuers, current and unexpired
- Demonstrated swimming proficiency including timed distance and specific stroke requirements
- First Aid certification with the ability to respond to medical emergencies independently
- Water Safety Instructor certification preferred for roles that include teaching swim lessons
- Prior lifeguarding or aquatics experience at a pool, beach, or waterpark environment
Tips for Your Lifeguard Job Search
List every active certification you hold
Employers filter applications by certification type before they read anything else. Your resume needs to name each credential, the issuing organization, and its expiration date in a dedicated section so hiring managers can confirm compliance at a glance.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists lifeguard openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your certifications and location preference and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to the venue type
A beach lifeguard resume should emphasize open-water surveillance and surf conditions experience, while a pool position calls for lap swim management and lesson delivery. Matching your language to the setting signals fit before the interview.
Target seasonal postings before they peak
Municipal pools and resort aquatics programs post their summer openings months before the season starts. Applying during the initial posting window puts you in the first review batch, before the role gets flooded with late applicants.
Prepare for a skills demonstration round
Many lifeguard hiring processes include a timed swim test or simulated rescue scenario alongside a standard interview. Know the minimum swim distance and stroke requirements for the facility type you're targeting so you show up ready.
Follow up after your water skills test
After a skills evaluation, send a short note confirming your continued interest and noting one specific detail from the session. Aquatics supervisors fill multiple positions quickly and a timely follow-up keeps your name at the top of a crowded candidate list.
Lifeguard Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most lifeguards?
YMCA, AMR, and HealthFitness are hiring the most lifeguards right now, with openings concentrated in California, Ohio, and New Jersey, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Volume tends to increase sharply as the summer season approaches, so checking back regularly gives you the most current picture.
How many lifeguard jobs are remote?
About 8% of lifeguard openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of aquatic surveillance. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are administrative aquatics coordinator roles, swim lesson scheduling, and water safety program development rather than on-deck positions.
How do you become a lifeguard?
Start by meeting the minimum swim prerequisites required for a certification course, which typically involve completing a timed distance swim and treading water continuously. Enroll in an accredited lifeguard training program through the American Red Cross or a recognized equivalent, complete the in-water and first aid skills assessments, and pass the written exam. Once certified, apply to facilities that match your venue preference and keep your credentials current with regular renewal courses.
Can you get hired as a lifeguard with no experience?
Yes, many facilities hire first-time lifeguards as long as you hold a current certification and pass the required swim test on hiring day. Municipal pools, YMCAs, and community recreation centers are especially willing to bring on candidates straight out of a certification course. Volunteering at a swim club or completing a water safety aide program beforehand can strengthen your application and demonstrate commitment beyond the minimum credential.
What does the lifeguard interview process look like?
Most lifeguard hiring processes begin with a brief phone or in-person screening to verify your certifications and availability. That is followed by a physical skills evaluation, which commonly includes a timed swim, a brick retrieval from the pool floor, and a simulated rescue or first aid scenario. Candidates who pass the skills round then complete a final interview with an aquatics director or facility manager focused on situational judgment and availability.
Where can I find and apply to lifeguard jobs?
You can find and apply to lifeguard jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from aquatic centers, beaches, resorts, and municipal recreation programs across the United States. Find roles that match your certifications, location, and schedule preferences and apply directly to each listing from the same place.
See All 60 Lifeguard Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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