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. Position wage starts at $21.05/hr.
Required qualifications for Seattle Parks lifeguards
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
- Northwest Lifeguard Test (testing will resume this fall, this requirement is waived until 2024)
- 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.(NW test requirement is waived until 2024)
- 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.
Certifications
Lifeguard Training
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: Rainier Beach Pool
Dates/Times: 5/20, 5/21, 5/28, Saturday 12pm-7pm, Sundays 10am-7pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-1925
Location: Madison Pool
Dates/Times: 5/26-6/16, Fridays 4:00pm-9:00pm PRETEST Friday 5/19 4:00pm-5:30pm or Saturday 5/20 8:00am-9:30am
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 684-4979
Location: Queen Anne Pool
Dates/Times: 6/2-6/4, Friday 6:30-10:30pm, Saturday 11am-7:30pm, Sunday 10am-6:30pm
Sign up: Online or by phone (206) 386-4282
Lifeguard Training Review
This is a renewal 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.
Upcoming Lifeguard Review Courses
#55838 Sun Jan 29th @ Meadowbrook Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56564 Sun Feb 26th @ Queen Anne Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56568 Sun Mar 12th @ Medgar Evers Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56574 Sun Apr 16th @ Rainier Beach Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56576 Sun May 21st @ Evans Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56577 Sat Jun 3rd @ Madison Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56575 Sat Jun 17th @ Medgar Evers Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56580 Sun Jul 9th @ Southwest Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56565 Sun Aug 20th @ Queen Anne Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56567 Sun Sept 17th @ Meadowbrook Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56579 Sat Oct 14th @ Ballard Pool11:30-9pm $125
#56578 Sat Nov 18th @ Madison Pool 9-7:15pm $125
#56566 Sun Dec 17th @ Queen Anne Pool 9-7:15pm $125
Contact david.belanger@seattle.gov to inquire.
The Northwest Lifeguard Test (Currently on hold, testing will resume fall 2023)
The Northwest Lifeguard Certification Test is offered on a regular basis at pools in the Greater Seattle area and is sponsored by the King County Chapter of the American Red Cross in cooperation with Seattle Parks and Recreation, King County Parks, the City of Covington, and the City of Federal Way.
Grading elements include:
- 50 yards head high crawl stroke
- Rescue tow medley
- Spinal injury rescue in shallow water
- Dive and recover submerged victim
- Rescue of struggling victim
NorthWest Lifeguard Test Schedule (Currently on hold)
Grading Criteria
*There are two certified versions of the NW Test. The full/beach certification, and modified/indoor pool certification. Scoring of the timed Head High 50 Yard Swim and the Underwater Swim in the Medley will determine your certification level. See Grading Criteria or call your nearest pool for details.
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
There are no WSI courses scheduled at this time. 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 Review Courses
#56365 Sun 6/4 @ Meadowbrook Pool 10-6pm $75 with option to add $42 to renew basic LGT
#56366 Sun 8/13 @ Meadowbrook Pool 10-6pm $75 with option to add $42 to renew basic LGT
#56367 Sun 10/1 @ Meadowbrook Pool 10-6pm $75 with option to add $42 to renew basic LGT
#56368 Sun 11/5 @ Meadowbrook Pool 10-6pm $75 with option to add $42 to renew basic LGT
What is the Lifeguard Training Team?
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.
2023 Program Information
July 5 - August 17, Monday - Thursday, 1pm - 5pm
South location: Mount Baker Beach, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd S, 98144
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.
Interested in signing up for the Lifeguard Training Team? Apply now for this summer teen program! Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis beginning Monday, April 3rd.