Working poolside is the ultimate summer job in Philadelphia. It’s also one of the best-paying jobs for teens. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation lifeguards earn up to $18 per hour. Starting pay is set at $16 per hour. Parks & Rec offers free training for those who want to be a lifeguard at a City pool this summer.

The $1,000 bonus is back!

This year, qualified lifeguard candidates can also earn up to a $1000 bonus. To receive the $1,000 end-of-season bonus you must:

  • Submit your completed employment application by April 15, 2025.

  • Work 200 hours through the 2025 summer season.

Not ready to commit in April? 

If you submit a completed application by May 15, 2025 and work 200 hours during the summer you’re eligible for a $500 end-of-season bonus.

Wondering if lifeguarding is for you? 

Check out the most frequently asked questions about serving as a lifeguard at a city pool:

1. Is being a Philadelphia lifeguard for me?

Parks & Rec lifeguards come from all walks of life. They include teens, college students, teachers, and retirees. All qualified candidates are welcome at City pools. Parks & Rec lifeguards are responsible, caring, and alert individuals.  Many grew up in the neighborhood where they work. They return each summer to give back to the young people in their communities.

2. Do I need a Philadelphia address to work as a lifeguard?

No. Unlike other City jobs, you do not need to live in Philadelphia to be a lifeguard.

3. How can I build the skills to become a lifeguard? 

Parks & Rec provides free training and skill building to those who want to be a lifeguard.

You must complete a lifeguard swim screening to work at a City pool. As part of the required screening you must:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles permitted.)

  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.

  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: 

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)

  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.

  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Free training is available to help master these skills. Once you pass the screening we will enroll you in a Red Cross lifeguard certification course.

4. Do I have to pay for the Red Cross lifeguard certification course? 

Red Cross certification is:

  • FREE for applicants ages 16-24 who commit to working at a City pool.

  • $110 for those 25 and older working at a City Pool

  • $175 for all other candidates for a full certification.

  • Required for most lifeguarding jobs.

  • Valid for two years. Candidates must be re-certified after two years.

5. How do I get started?

Start by reserving a time slot for a Lifeguard Swim Skills Training. This training is free. Parks & Rec’s Water Safety Instructors supervise the screening tests and skill building sessions. This will help prepare you for the required Red Cross lifeguard certification.

Reserve a time slot for a Lifeguard Swim Skills Training.
Let us help you train for free and prepare for the required Red Cross lifeguard certification!