Lifeguard I / II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. 

Fulfilling work at the Swim Center in Aquatics

• Summer Program runs June 15 - August 14, 2026
• Mandatory Training dates: June 15 - 18, 2026, plus Friday's 9am-12pm
• Traditional Aquatics programs include Swim Lessons, rECswim, Fitness Swim, Swim Teams, and more
• All programs are based at El Cerrito Swim Center, 7007 Moeser Lane
• Hiring at all levels – lifeguard  “rookies” to experienced swim instructors!  
• Pay range $21.05 - $26.88 DOE
• Full-day and part-day shifts available from 5:30am-10:00pm, 7 days a week Sunday - Saturday
• If hired, staff may be assigned to work on July 4, 2026
• Must pass in-water assessment during interview process

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides aquatic safety and supervision for community members; monitors activities in the pool and facilities to avoid and prevent accidents, and to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; promotes public safety at all times.
• Provides courteous and professional customer service to all patrons, facility users, personnel, and public.
• Enforces swimming pool and aquatics facility rules and regulations.
• Leads, teaches, and conducts aquatics lessons, classes, and activities for groups of youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors according to collective ability level of participants.
• Provides technical guidance to participants by demonstrating skills, methods, and techniques, ensuring proper form and safety.
• Provides first responder medical emergency response; administers first aid as required.
• Maintains cleanliness of aquatic facilities including locker rooms, bathrooms, and communal staff areas; performs light cleaning and custodial duties including, but not limited to, mopping, scrubbing, hosing, sweeping, and removing litter.
• Inspects and maintains swimming and pool equipment for functionality; recommends maintenance and repairs as required; tests and monitors pool water chemistry and clarity including recording chemical levels.
• Covers and uncovers swimming pool with tarps; tightens and rearranges lane lines as required.
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties.
• Receives and responds to questions and concerns; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate.
• Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs.
• Answers telephones and performs clerical duties including data entry and money handling.
• Assists with citywide special events and recreation department activities as assigned.
• Observes and complies with all City, local, state, and federal mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Lifeguard I-II: Equivalent to completion of the tenth (10^th) grade.

Experience: 

Lifeguard I-II: The minimum age for positions in this classification is fifteen (15). Ability to provide a work permit if you have not completed high school or the equivalent and are under the age of 18 years old.

Lifeguard I: Experience swimming, teaching, or assisting with swim lessons and/or participation in junior lifeguard programs, or equivalent.

Lifeguard I-II: One (1) year of experience lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons.

Licenses and Certifications:

Lifeguard I-II:

• Train-to-hire; must complete and pass Lifeguarding class prior to start date. 

Lifeguard II:

• Possession of a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, or equivalent, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

• Swimming pool, guest safety, and emergency procedures.
• Lifeguarding skills and methods.
• Instructional methods and techniques applicable to the aquatics field including beginning through advanced swim strokes.
• Modern principles and practices of swimming program development and implementation.
• Methods and techniques of implementing aquatics activities.
• Operations, services, activities, and equipment of assigned class.
• Operational characteristics of water rescue safety equipment and devices.
• Methods, materials, and equipment involved in the maintenance and operation of swimming pools.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods. 
• Techniques for de-escalation and providing a high level of customer service by effectively assisting with the public, vendors, and City staff.
• Instructional methods and techniques applicable to the aquatics field, as applicable, which may include beginning through advanced swim strokes.
• Modern principles and practices of swimming and safety programs development and implementation.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Attentively observe and monitor the safety of swimmers and other guests using aquatic facilities.
• Lead and teach assigned aquatics classes or swim team practices and activities for a variety of age levels.
• Provide instruction, feedback, and evaluation to program participants.
• Operate and maintain lifesaving equipment.
• Enforce swimming pool and facility rules and regulations.
• Work with children and adults in a recreational setting.
• Learn City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Assist with facility programs and rentals as assigned.
• Maintain discipline, order, and safety in a crowded and noisy environment.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Utilize and implement proper money handling and customer service procedures.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.