Aquatics Employment & Training
Current Openings & Opportunities
Seattle Parks and Recreation is currently recruiting for Temporary Lifeguards for eight indoor pools in Seattle. Current Red Cross Lifeguard certification is required, and candidates must be at least 16 years old to apply. Part time work hours are available. Wage starts at $25.98/hr.
Apply online (links below) or inquire year-round at any swimming pool.
Required qualifications for Seattle Parks lifeguards
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
- Northwest Lifeguard Test (within 3 months of hire)
- Be at least 16 years old
Desired qualifications
How to Apply
- Get Certified! Sign up for an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training course and the NW Lifeguard Test.
- Get Hired! Send a resume and cover letter, or Aquatic Application to parksaquatics@seattle.gov. You can also take your application directly to the Aquatic Center Coordinator at any Seattle Parks and Recreation indoor pool.
- Get Working! Once you are hired you will be required to pass a background check and a physical examination provided by the City of Seattle.
For more information please call (206) 684-4078.
Lifeguard Training Certification
This American Red Cross course is your first step in becoming a lifeguard for the City of Seattle. The course is approximately 30 hours in length and provides certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED. Certifications are valid for two years.
Prerequisites:
- Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 pound object, swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point and exit the water without using a ladder. Swim goggles may not be used.
Upcoming Lifeguard Training Courses
Location: Meadowbrook Pool
Dates/Times: Pretest 4/1 7:30-8:30pm, Course 4/6, 4/13, 4/20 9:00am-5:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
Location: Southwest Pool
Dates/Times: Pretest 3/25 or 3/27 7:15-8:15pm, Course 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 2pm-7pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-7440
Location: Madison Pool
Dates/Times: Pretest 4/6 3pm-4pm, Course 4/13 8am-4pm, 4/14-4/17 4:30pm-8:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4979
Location: Ballard Pool
Dates/Times: 4/15-4/17 1pm-8:30pm, 4/18 1pm-6:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4094
Location: Ballard Pool
Dates/Times: 4/26 11:30am-7:30pm, 5/3 & 5/10 11am-8pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4094
Location: Meadowbrook Pool
Dates/Times: Pretest 4/29 7:30-8:30pm, Course 5/4, 5/11, 5/18 9:00am-5:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
Location: Southwest Pool
Dates/Times: Pretest 4/29 or 5/1 7:15-8:15pm, Course 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7 2pm-7pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-7440
Lifeguarding Recertification
This is a recertification course for those who have a current certification, or one that has expired in the last 30 days. It will extend the expiration date of your Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED certifications for another 2 years.
March 30th at Queen Anne Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-4282
April 27th at Southwest Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-7440
May 18th at Madison Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4979
June 21st at Medgar Evers Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4766
July 27th at Rainier Beach Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-1925
August 23rd at Ballard Pool 9am-8pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4094
September 14th at Meadowbrook Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
October 26th at Queen Anne Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-4282
November 23rd at Southwest Pool 9am-8:15pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-7440
December 28th at Medgar Evers Pool 9am-8pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4766
Contact david.belanger@seattle.gov to inquire.
The Northwest Lifeguard Test
The Northwest Lifeguard Test is a test of swimming ability and lifeguarding skills. The test builds on skills learned in the Red Cross lifeguarding course. It is meant to be taken after completing the Red Cross lifeguarding course, and is not a substitue for Red Cross lifeguard certification. The test is sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation, King County Parks, and the City of Covington.
Test elements include:
- 50 yards head high crawl stroke
- Rescue tow medley and underwater swim
- Spinal injury rescue in shallow water
- Submerged victim recovery and CPR
- Rescue of struggling victim
Grading Criteria
*There are two levels of NW Test certification. The full/beach certification, and modified/indoor pool certification. The time of the Head High 50 Yard Swim and number of breaths taken on the Underwater Swim in the Medley will determine your certification level. See Grading Criteria or call your nearest pool for details.
Upcoming NW Test Dates
March 22nd @ Ballard Pool, 1pm-5pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4094
April 26th @ Madison Pool, 1pm-5pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4979
May 4th @ Evans Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4961
May 17th @ Ballard Pool, 1pm-5pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4094
June 8th @ Queen Anne Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-4282
June 15th @ Meadowbrook Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
June 22nd @ Rainier Beach Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-1925
July 13th @ Southwest Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-7440
August 17th @ Medgar Evers Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4766
November 9th @ Queen Anne Pool, 8am-12pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4766
Water Safety Instructor Certification (WSI)
This course provides instruction for those seeking to teach water safety, swimming and diving skills, and aquatic health and fitness.
Upcoming WSI Courses
It will be some time until we offer the Water Safety Instructor training to the public. We currently are working to get our staff trained as we recently transitioned to American Red Cross lessons. If you wish to inquire about employment, let us know.
Contact david.belanger@seattle.gov to inquire.
Lifeguard Training Instructor Certification (LGI)
This approximately 30 hour course includes practical methods and theory for teaching lifeguarding skills, and enables participants to teach lifeguarding courses.
Upcoming Lifeguard Instructor Courses
There are no LGI courses scheduled at this time.
Contact david.belanger@seattle.gov to inquire.
Upcoming Lifeguard Instructor Recertification Courses
March 2nd @ Meadowbrook Pool, 9am-4:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
April 27th @ Meadowbrook Pool, 9am-4:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
June 1st @ Meadowbrook Pool, 9am-4:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4989
What is the Lifeguard Training Team (LTT)?
The Lifeguard Training Team is a FREE summer program designed to train and certify Seattle's youth in lifesaving skills. The eight week program for youth ages 15-18 will train participants to be lifeguards and build other important job skills. Seattle Parks and Recreation provides training, books, uniforms, and basic materials at no charge. The Lifeguard Training Team includes a full American Red Cross lifeguard training course, and much more! Participants get the opportunity to test for certification at the end of the program.
The Lifeguard Training Team is a tremendous opportunity for you to learn and grow, to build lasting friendships, and to acquire skills you'll use for the rest of your life. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete or world class swimmer to join. We just ask that you try your hardest, participate every day, and be part of the team. The instructors' provide a safe, well supervised and encouraging environment. The safety of the participants is our #1 priority.
2025 LTT Program Information
June 23 - August 14, Monday - Thursday, 1pm - 5pm
South location: Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave S, 98118
North location: West Green Lake Beach 7312 W Green Lake Dr N, 98103
Participant Swimming Skills Pre-Test
Each participant must attend a swimming skills pre-tests before the first class. The pre-test is a prerequisite for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. It is also your chance to meet the instructors and ask questions about the program. Please bring a swimsuit and towel and be prepared to swim. Pre-tests will take place at indoor pools in June, and take about 1 hour. Specific date and location options will be provided when applications are accepted.
Apply here for this summer teen program!
Applications for the 2025 program will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning Monday 4/7/25. We will continue to accept applications until both programs are full.