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If you’ve Googled “lifeguard job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again.
A few bullet points. CPR certification. Sunblock. Maybe a whistle.
But here’s the problem: most lifeguard job posts are painfully generic.
They don’t say anything about your beach, your pool, or your team.
They don’t show what makes your role different—or why someone should choose your job over the dozens of others out there.
And that matters.
Because the best lifeguards aren’t just strong swimmers.
They’re calm under pressure, hyper-aware of their surroundings, and ready to act fast in a crisis.
If your job description doesn’t highlight that—or worse, if it reads like a generic checklist—you risk attracting the wrong people… or no one at all.
The good news? Writing a standout lifeguard job post doesn’t take a degree in marketing.
You just need a better format, a more human tone, and a few simple strategies.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a lifeguard job description that actually works—one that speaks to the right candidates and helps you build a strong, dependable team.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
✔️ What the lifeguard role really involves (in plain, relatable language)
✔️ Two job description templates—one for experienced guards, one for first-time hires
✔️ Why these examples work—and what to avoid
✔️ Tips to help your job post stand out from the rest
👉 Before we dive in, if you haven’t yet, check out our full guide: How to Write a Job Post That Attracts Top Talent.
It explains why most job descriptions fall flat—and how to fix yours fast.
Ready to write a lifeguard job description that makes a splash? Let’s get started.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Lifeguard Actually Does - Their Duties
A lifeguard isn’t just someone who “watches the pool.”
They’re a frontline safety professional—trained to prevent accidents, respond to emergencies, and protect lives in high-pressure environments.
From scanning the water for subtle signs of distress to enforcing safety rules and administering CPR, a lifeguard’s job demands vigilance, quick thinking, and calm, decisive action.
But here’s what often gets overlooked:
Lifeguards are also public-facing team members.
They interact with guests, answer questions, and represent your facility—often while managing heat, noise, and large crowds.
That means when you’re hiring, you’re not just looking for someone with the right certifications. You’re looking for someone who is:
● Focused and able to stay alert for long periods
● Confident enough to take charge when it counts
● Professional and personable with guests of all ages
And depending on your facility, context matters.
A lifeguard at a children’s summer camp will need a different approach than one at a high-end resort, public beach, or fast-paced waterpark. Your job description should reflect those differences.
In short, a great lifeguard brings together:
✅ Strong technical skills
✅ Great people skills
✅ Emotional control under pressure
Your job post should highlight all three—so the right candidates can recognize themselves in the role.
Two Great Lifeguard Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced Lifeguard Job Description
🏖️ Job Title: Lead Lifeguard – Coastal Swim Club (Santa Monica, CA)
🕐 Schedule: Full-Time | Weekends required | $20–$24/hr based on experience
💼 Location: On-site | Outdoor pool & beach access
🎥 Hear directly from our team: Watch a quick message from our Head of Safety on Loom — she’ll tell you more about what it’s like to work here.
About the Role
At Coastal Swim Club, we’re not just managing a pool—we’re creating a safe, welcoming space for families to enjoy California’s coastline. And safety starts with the people we hire.
We’re looking for a Lead Lifeguard with a strong eye for detail, quick decision-making under pressure, and a calm, professional presence. You’ll be supervising water safety, mentoring junior lifeguards, and being the first response when something doesn’t go according to plan.
This is more than a watch-and-whistle job. We’re trusting you with lives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Monitoring swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to incidents
- Leading daily safety checks and readiness drills
- Mentoring junior lifeguards and supporting team communication
- Administering first aid, CPR, and emergency care as needed
- Ensuring pool and beach zones remain hazard-free and fully operational
- Interacting professionally with members and guests
What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years of professional lifeguard experience
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certification (Red Cross or equivalent)
- Confidence in high-pressure situations
- Clear communication and leadership skills
- Bonus if you’ve worked at a resort, waterpark, or open-water facility
Why Work With Us
We take care of our team. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Competitive pay and performance bonuses
- Paid certification renewals + training opportunities
- Health benefits for full-time staff
- A fun, respectful team culture where your voice matters
- Oceanfront views. Not a bad way to spend the day. 🌊
Our Hiring Process
We review every application. If shortlisted, we’ll schedule a quick video intro call. From there, you’ll complete a short skills evaluation using WorkScreen.io so we can get a fair and accurate read on your abilities.
We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
📥 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🌱 Option 2: Entry-Level Lifeguard Job Description (We Train You)
🏊 Job Title: Lifeguard (Training Provided) – Willow Springs Recreation Center
📍 Location: Nashville, TN | Outdoor & Indoor Pools
💼 Type: Part-Time (Great for students) | $15–$17/hr
🎥 Meet the team: Click here to watch a short video message from our Aquatics Manager and learn why so many of our lifeguards return year after year.
About Willow Springs
Willow Springs is a vibrant community recreation center serving over 4,000 local families year-round. Our indoor and outdoor pools are at the heart of summer fun, swim classes, and weekend relaxation for all ages.
But behind the fun is a serious commitment to safety, education, and growth—and that starts with our lifeguards.
We believe in building confident, capable professionals from the ground up. If you’re responsible, love working with people, and want a job that truly makes a difference, we’ll give you the tools and training to get started.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Keeping swimmers safe by monitoring pool activity
- Learning to perform water rescues and first aid
- Helping set up pool areas, equipment, and signage
- Greeting guests and answering safety-related questions
- Supporting clean, organized, and welcoming spaces
What You Need to Apply
- High school diploma or enrolled student (16+)
- A responsible, proactive attitude
- Willingness to complete our certification course
- Great focus and clear communication skills
- Bonus if you have swim team or sports experience—but not required
What You’ll Get
- Free lifeguard training & CPR certification
- Flexible shifts that work around school or other jobs
- A fun, energetic environment with a supportive team
- A chance to grow into lead or seasonal full-time roles
Our Hiring Process
Once you apply, we’ll reach out for a short intro chat. From there, we’ll walk you through our free training schedule and guide you through a simple WorkScreen.io skills evaluation designed to identify your potential—not just experience.
You’ll get updates every step of the way.
📥 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
1. Productivity Starts with People
You’ve seen two lifeguard job descriptions: one for a seasoned pro, and one for someone just starting out. But what exactly makes these posts effective?
Let’s break it down:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Contextual
- Instead of just saying “Lifeguard”, each title gives location, purpose, and level of experience.
- “Lead Lifeguard – Coastal Swim Club (Santa Monica, CA)” speaks directly to experienced candidates and signals leadership.
- “Lifeguard (Training Provided)” makes it immediately clear that no experience is required, which encourages more people to apply.
- “Lead Lifeguard – Coastal Swim Club (Santa Monica, CA)” speaks directly to experienced candidates and signals leadership.
✅ 2. The Introductions Set the Scene—and the Standard
- Each intro paints a picture of the environment, the expectations, and the importance of the role.
- It’s not just about keeping watch—it’s about being the first responder, a leader, or someone who brings calm to chaos.
- The second job post invites people in by saying “we’ll train you”—a powerful message for first-time job seekers or career changers.
- It’s not just about keeping watch—it’s about being the first responder, a leader, or someone who brings calm to chaos.
✅ 3. There’s a Real Video from the Team
- A short Loom or YouTube clip from the Head of Safety or Aquatics Manager adds personality and puts a face to the name.
- It also signals transparency, trust, and professionalism.
- In a sea of boring listings, video makes your post memorable.
- It also signals transparency, trust, and professionalism.
✅ 4. The “Why Work With Us” Sections Sell the Job Thoughtfully
- Benefits aren’t just listed—they’re framed around what matters to the candidate:
- Ocean views.
- Paid certification renewals.
- Flexibility for students.
- Growth into leadership roles.
- Ocean views.
- It’s not just what you offer—it’s how you talk about it that makes it attractive.
✅ 5. There’s Clear Respect in the Hiring Process
- Both job descriptions promise updates and set expectations.
- The mention of WorkScreen’s skills evaluation shows that hiring decisions are based on ability, not just resumes.
- That helps build trust with serious applicants—and filters out low-effort ones.
✅ 6. The Tone Is Warm, Direct, and Human
- No jargon. No vague language.
- It talks to real people—whether they’re leading safety drills or just figuring out what to do after high school.
Bad Job Post Example – What Not to Do (And Why It Falls Short)
Let’s take a look at a typical lifeguard job post you’ll find online.
❌ Bad Lifeguard Job Description Example
Job Title: Lifeguard
Location: Pool Facility
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are looking to hire a lifeguard to supervise swimmers and ensure pool safety. The ideal candidate will be reliable and able to respond in emergency situations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor swimmers and maintain a safe environment
- Enforce pool rules
- Administer CPR if necessary
- Report any incidents to management
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Lifeguard certification required
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Ability to work flexible hours
How to Apply:
Send your resume to lifeguardjobs@poolstaffing123.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
1. The Title Is Too Generic
“Lifeguard” tells you what the job is—but not where, for whom, or what kind of environment they’ll be working in.
There’s no context or personality—it could be a waterpark, hotel, gym, or backyard pool.
2. The Intro Is Cold and Uninspired
“We are looking to hire a lifeguard to supervise swimmers…”
This is just a formality. It doesn’t say why the job matters, what makes it exciting, or who would thrive here.
3. No Mention of Culture, Mission, or Environment
There’s nothing that tells candidates what kind of team they’d be joining or what values the organization stands for.
Is this a fun, high-energy place? A serious safety-focused resort? No one knows.
4. Vague Responsibilities
“Monitor swimmers” and “enforce rules” are technically accurate—but they lack depth and specificity.
There’s no mention of working with children, assisting guests, or doing daily safety checks.
5. No Benefits or Compensation Transparency
No pay range, no perks, no schedule clarity. In today’s market, this sends the wrong message—it signals that the employer isn’t committed to clarity or fairness.
6. Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
That line alone can turn away great people. It feels cold and transactional—like the company doesn’t value the time applicants put in.
7. No Human Connection
No video. No real people. No sign of life.
This is the kind of job post candidates scroll past without a second thought—because it looks like no one put thought into it.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve written a strong job post, there are a few details you can add to take it from good to great. These small touches build trust, show professionalism, and help your post rise above the noise.
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Scams are everywhere, and job seekers are cautious—which is a good thing.
A short security disclaimer helps candidates feel safe and shows you take their privacy seriously.
Example you can add at the end of your job post:
We take the security and privacy of job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time (If You Offer Them)
Even part-time or seasonal staff want to know they won’t be overworked or left hanging.
If you offer flexible shifts, seasonal breaks, or leave days—even informal ones—mention it clearly.
Example:
Enjoy flexible shifts and up to 24 hours of paid time off each season. We believe rest is part of great performance.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even for lifeguards, career growth matters. Some applicants are students. Others may want to grow into supervisory roles or train in new areas.
If you promote from within, cover certifications, or offer mentorship, say so.
Example:
We offer free lifeguard certification, mentorship from senior staff, and growth paths into lead roles. Many of our summer hires return year after year—and we love to promote from within.
✅ Tip 4: Include a Video Message from Your Team
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: video creates instant connection.
A quick Loom or phone-recorded message from your Aquatics Manager or team lead helps candidates feel welcome before they even apply.
Tip: Don’t overthink the video. A friendly 1-minute clip that shows you’re real is more effective than a highly produced promo.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Show What a Day in the Role Looks Like
You don’t need to write a novel—but a short paragraph describing what a “typical day” looks like adds clarity and sets expectations.
Example:
You’ll start your shift with a safety check, rotate between monitoring zones, and work alongside a fun, experienced team. You’ll greet guests, enforce pool rules with professionalism, and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
Should You Use AI to Write a Lifeguard Job Description?
These days, it feels like everyone is turning to AI to crank out job descriptions—especially with platforms like Workable and Manatal offering auto-generated posts at the click of a button.
But here’s the hard truth:
AI can help you write faster. But if you rely on it blindly, you’ll end up with the exact kind of generic, lifeless job post you’re trying to avoid.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll get vague, repetitive language that could apply to any role at any company.
- You’ll miss your company’s personality and values, which are essential if you want to attract the right people.
- You’ll likely attract low-effort applicants—people skimming for “any job,” not those truly aligned with what you offer.
- Worst of all, you’ll waste time filtering through the wrong candidates.
Your job post is your first impression. Do you really want it to sound like a template anyone could have copied?
✅ How to Use AI the Right Way (Smart Prompting)
If you want AI to help, great. But treat it like a writing partner—not a replacement for your input.
Here’s how to prompt it properly:
🎯 Smart AI Prompt Template
“Help me write a job description for our company, Willow Springs Recreation Center. We’re hiring a Lifeguard (training provided) to help monitor our indoor and outdoor pools, greet guests, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment. Our culture is inclusive, community-driven, and values teamwork and mentorship. We’re open to hiring people without experience and offer free training. We offer flexible shifts, paid certification, and growth into leadership roles. Please write this in a conversational, human tone, and include a short section on why this job is worth applying for.”
You can also add:
- A few bullet points of raw notes about your team, your tone, or your favorite phrases
- A link to a job post you like (like the examples in this guide)
- A reminder to keep the tone warm, direct, and clear
Let the AI organize your ideas, clean up wording, and help with structure—but don’t skip the human input. That’s what makes a job post real, not robotic.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard. If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need A Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Templates?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description Template
🏊 Job Title: Lifeguard (Training Provided) – [Your Facility Name]
📍 Location: [Your City, State] | [Indoor/Outdoor] Pools
💼 Type: [Part-Time / Full-Time] | [$15–$17/hr or custom range]
About the Role
Looking for a job where you can make a real impact—and get trained for free?
At [Your Facility Name], we believe in building confident, capable lifeguards from the ground up. If you’re responsible, great with people, and want a job that actually matters, we’ll give you everything you need to get started.
🎥 [Optional: Add a short Loom or YouTube video from your team here]
What You’ll Be Doing
- Monitoring swimmers and keeping everyone safe
- Learning to perform rescues and respond in emergencies
- Helping set up equipment and maintain clean pool areas
- Greeting guests and answering safety-related questions
- Supporting a respectful, team-focused environment
What You Need
- 16+ years old
- Responsible, proactive, and calm under pressure
- Willing to complete our free certification program
- Strong focus and clear communication skills
What You’ll Get
- Paid training & CPR certification
- Flexible hours that work with your schedule
- A fun, supportive team environment
- Opportunities to grow into senior lifeguard or team lead roles
Our Hiring Process
Apply below, and we’ll reach out for a short intro call. You’ll also complete a simple WorkScreen.io skills evaluation—designed to highlight your strengths and help us hire fairly.
📥 Apply now: [Insert your WorkScreen application link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured Job Description Format
Job Title: Lifeguard – Entry Level (Training Included)
Location: [Your Facility], [City, State]
Job Type: Part-Time | [$15–$17/hr]
Schedule: Flexible shifts | Weekends optional
Job Brief
We are hiring a new lifeguard to join our safety team at [Facility Name]. No experience is required—we’ll provide the training and certification. If you’re reliable, focused, and enjoy helping people, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Monitor swimming areas and enforce safety rules
- Perform rescues and administer first aid (after training)
- Assist with pool setup, takedown, and sanitation
- Communicate clearly and professionally with guests
- Attend regular safety briefings and training updates
Requirements
- Must be 16+ years old
- Strong swimmer
- Willing to complete certification program
- Friendly and team-oriented attitude
- Ability to stay focused during long periods of observation
Perks and Benefits
- Free training and paid certification
- Flexible scheduling
- Positive, team-based work environment
- Opportunity to advance to leadership roles
Hiring Process
Submit your application via WorkScreen.io and complete our short evaluation. If shortlisted, we’ll follow up within a week for a video chat and next steps.
📥 Apply today: [Insert your WorkScreen application link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Once your job post starts attracting applicants, the real challenge begins: figuring out who’s actually qualified, who’s serious, and who’s just clicking apply on everything.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter, faster, and more confidently:
🔍 Quickly identify your best candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants based on their performance on a real-time leaderboard—not just their resume. This way, you see your top candidates at a glance.
🧪 One-click skill tests for lifeguard roles
With Workscreen you can easily administer one-click skill tests to easily assess focus, decision-making, and communication with lifeguard-specific evaluations. That means no more guessing based on bullet points—you’ll see what they can actually do.
🚫 Eliminate low-effort or AI-generated applications
WorkScreen filters out low-effort candidates who rely on copy-paste answers, AI tools, or one-click application platforms—so you only spend time on people who are genuinely interested and ready to show up.
⏱️ Save hours in your hiring process
You don’t have to manually screen resumes or chase people who ghost. WorkScreen handles the evaluation so you can move faster—and make better hiring decisions with less stress.
Ready to streamline your hiring? Sign up at WorkScreen.io and post your job today. You’ll get a unique link to share on any job board, and WorkScreen will take care of the rest. 🎯 Write a job post that connects. Let WorkScreen find out who can actually deliver.
FAQ
The average salary for a lifeguard in the U.S. typically ranges between $14 to $18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of facility (e.g., public pool vs. private resort vs. beach patrol).
- Entry-level lifeguards often start around $13–$15/hour, especially at community centers or seasonal pools.
- Experienced lifeguards or those with leadership responsibilities can earn $18–$22/hour, and even higher in high-cost metro areas or during peak season.
- Beach lifeguards and resort lifeguards may receive additional pay for hazard exposure or specialized duties.
Some employers also offer bonuses, hazard pay, or paid training, which adds value beyond the hourly rate.
Most employers require lifeguards to hold a valid Lifeguard Certification from an accredited organization, such as:
- American Red Cross
- Ellis & Associates
- YMCA Lifeguard Certification
In addition, lifeguards must typically hold CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
If you’re hiring for an entry-level role and plan to provide training, this should be clearly stated in the job post.
In most states, the minimum age to become a certified lifeguard is 15 or 16 years old, depending on local laws and employer requirements.
Some high-responsibility roles (such as oceanfront or team lead positions) may require candidates to be 18+.
Beyond certifications, great lifeguards typically demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail and alertness
- Calm decision-making under pressure
- Clear communication and teamwork
- Physical endurance and swimming strength
- Professionalism when interacting with guests
If you want to test for these skills, consider using WorkScreen.io to administer short, real-world assessments as part of your hiring process.
Not always. Many facilities offer on-the-job training or free certification programs to new hires.
If your team is open to training the right person, make that clear in your job post—it can expand your talent pool and help you attract enthusiastic candidates who are new to the field.
