Become A Lifeguard
POOL LIFEGUARD
Duties: Surveys a public swimming pool; prevents patron accidents; rescues swimmers in distress; conducts swimming, lifesaving, and instructor level courses; enforces regulations and codes; coaches team and individual aquatic sports and performs related work and other tasks assigned by management.
The primary responsibility of the lifeguard is the safety and protection of pool patrons by preventing accidents, and when required, making rescues. The lifeguard must be alert and take action in enforcing safety rules and ordinances. In an emergency, the lifeguard must think quickly and clearly, in some cases taking personal risks and exerting considerable physical effort. The lifeguard is required to work day and evening hours including weekends. An employee of this class is usually employed only during the summer months and must qualify each year in a performance test.
Requirements: As a condition of employment, a lifeguard must successfully complete the Lifeguard Academy, attend all in-service trainings and must work a minimum of 40 hours (does not include paid training time such as orientation; HO, FH, PL, CPTO/VC or SK Hours) between the start of the summer season and Labor Day in order to continue employment with Citywide Aquatics (beyond Labor Day).
Age: 17 years of age. A valid government issued photo ID is required to take the test and must be presented at the time of test to be admitted.
Medical: City medical exam required after successful completion of the swim test.
Availability: A pool lifeguard must work at least 40 non-training hours between the start of the summer season and Labor Day to be retained as an intermittent employee.
Testing Criteria: Candidate must successfully complete the 70 - Foot Dummy Tow Test under 1 minute 18 seconds to continue to the medley swim. The 200 Yard Medley Swim (breast, back, side, and crawl stroke) must be completed under 3 minutes 52 seconds. You will be granted 2 attempts for the dummy tow and 1 attempt at the medley swim on the day of the lifeguard test.
Lifeguard Academy: Applicants will be required to successfully complete a paid 96- hour Lifeguard Academy; as well as, additional paid in-service training. Documents: All new city employees must show satisfactory proof of identity and a legal right to work in the United States.
OPEN WATER LIFEGUARD (OWL)
Duties: Surveys open water swimming areas; rescues swimmers in distress; conducts swimming, lifesaving, and instructor level courses; enforces regulations and codes; coaches team and individual aquatic sports and performs related work and other tasks assigned by management.
The primary responsibility of the open water lifeguard is the safety and protection of open water patrons by preventing accidents, and when required, making rescues. The lifeguard must be alert and take action in enforcing safety rules and ordinances. In an emergency, the lifeguard must think quickly and clearly, in some cases taking personal risks and exerting considerable physical effort. The open water lifeguard is required to work day and evening hours including weekends.
Requirements: Must be 18 years or older and have a valid California Driver's License. After completion of our online registration, new applicants will be selected by appointment to participate in the swim test.
Age: 17 years of age. A valid government issued photo ID is required to take the test and must be presented at the time of test to be admitted.
Medical: City medical exam required after successful completion of the swim test.
Availability: A open water lifeguard must work at least 40 non-training hours between the start of the summer season and Labor Day to be retained as an intermittent employee.
Testing Criteria: Complete a 1000-meter open water swim test with a time of 19:59 or less. Wetsuits and googles will NOT be permitted. Upon completing the swim test, and other qualifications, new applicants will be required to successfully complete the paid 100-hour Open Water Lifeguard I Academy as well as additional paid in-service training.
Lifeguard Academy: Applicants will be required to successfully complete a paid 96- hour Lifeguard Academy; as well as, additional paid in-service training. Documents: All new city employees must show satisfactory proof of identity and a legal right to work in the United States.
LIFEGUARD AIDE
The Lifeguard Aide helps to provide for a safe, well supervised, outdoor recreational experience at an Aquatic Facility. Lifeguard Aides will gain experience in leadership, teamwork, aquatic safety skills, and first aid as well as gain relevant experience in lifeguarding. The position provides a pathway to a Pool Lifeguard job by developing job skills, proper work habits, and leadership qualities through work experience.
Duties: Under close supervision of lifesaving staff, lifeguard aide surveys a public swimming pool; prevents patron accidents; may utilize rescue skills to assist swimmers in distress; assists in the delivery of aquatic programs; enforces regulations and codes; and performs related work. The primary responsibility of the lifeguard aide is the safety and protection of pool guests by preventing accidents, and when required, assist swimmers in distress. The lifeguard aide must be alert and take action in enforcing safety rules and ordinances. In an emergency, the lifeguard aide assists the lifeguard in crowd control and other tasks as assigned by the lifeguard. The lifeguard aide may be required to work day and evening hours including weekends.
As a condition of employment, a lifeguard aide must successfully complete the Lifeguard Aide Training, attend all in-service trainings and must work a minimum of 20 hours (does not include paid training time such as orientation; HO, CPTO/VC or SK Hours) between Opening Day and Labor Day in order to continue employment with Citywide Aquatics after Labor Day.
Requirements: Candidate must have previously participated in a City Aquatic Program including but not limited to Junior Lifeguarding, Aquatic Team Sports, or complete an exit exam for the Intermediate Level Swim Lessons. All candidates must complete a 100 yards continuous swim assessment at a year round facility or at a lifeguard swim test.
Age: 16 years of age. A valid government issued photo ID is required to take the test and must be presented at the time of test to be admitted. Lifeguard Aide Training: New applicants selected for appointment will be required to successfully complete the paid 20 hour Lifeguard Aide Training as well as additional paid in-service training.
LOS ANGELES CITY PRE ACADEMY TRAINING (LAC-PAT)
This class will introduce individuals 16 and older to the basic skills needed to prepare for LA City Lifeguard Academy and to be a lifeguard. Los Angeles City Pre-Academy Training (LAC-PAT) is taught in 3 modules and is geared towards individuals who want to be familiarized with Basic Life Support (CPR), Basic First Aid, and LA City Life Saving techniques. Preparing to be a lifeguard also requires building strength, technique and endurance in swimming. All of these skills will be taught for FREE.
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Junior Lifeguard (JRLG)
The Junior Lifeguard Program is offered to participants ages 9 through 17. Junior Lifeguards are introduced to skills which are a basis of Lifeguard Training for the City of Los Angeles. The Training includes Lifeguard Skills, water safety, CPR, First Aid, emergency response, snorkeling, small crafts, volunteerism, Swim Lesson assisting.
The design of this program is driven by the Mission of Aquatics. The training is meant to instill principles and inspire youth to one day seek employment at our pools. The primary objective is teaching Jr. lifeguards the importance of safety in the aquatic environment and the value of teamwork. The daily physical training and lectures are intended to prepare participants for sponsored competitions and field trips. Jr. Lifeguard participants will receive a uniform, skill completion awards, and participation award.
Requirements: 100 yard medley (25 yards of each stroke: breast stroke, back crawl, sidestroke and front crawl 200 yard freestyle.
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