Washington faces lifeguard shortage, how to get certified and find a summer lifeguard job
With cities across Washington looking to hire enough lifeguards to open pools, there are a number of programs that offer certifications for the job.
Seattle’s well-loved East Green Lake Beach, Matthews Beach, Seward Park Beach are some of the many public outdoor swimming areas that will be closed this season, as the city of Seattle was “not able to hire enough trained, experienced lifeguards to do so,” the city’s website states.
“Please help us expand our aquatic offerings by applying to be a lifeguard or sharing these opportunities with your family and friends,” Seattle’s website stated.
With cities hoping to hire lifeguards as soon as possible, finding a lifeguard job could be fairly straightforward.
Those looking to become lifeguards this summer have to meet certain requirements and pass certification courses in order to be eligible for jobs. In Washington state, lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and complete approved certifications, which each require different prerequisites. There are also some fees involved.
How to become a lifeguard
Here are a few lifeguard certification courses you can take to become a certified lifeguard in Washington state:
American Aquatics and Safety Training
American Aquatics and Safety Training offers Washington state-certified courses for individuals at least 15 years old who can swim 300 continuous yards, tread water for 2 minutes by only using their legs, and complete a timed drill in a set amount of time.
The program includes courses for a 2-year lifeguard certification and a 2-year first aid and CPR/automated external defibrillator certification and can be completed through 26.5 hours of in-person courses, or through a blended learning option of seven hours of online instruction, and 19.5 hours of in-person instruction.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers lifeguard classes and certification for general lifeguard, aquatic attraction lifeguard and shallow-water lifeguard.
Course ranges from 22 to 27 hours, and have in-person and blended instruction options for those wanting to take portions of the courses online.
The American Red Cross lifeguard certification includes first aid, CPR and AED certifications that are valid for two years.
The American Lifeguard Association
The American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard courses and certification for aquatic first responders, beach patrol, lifeguard and shallow-water lifeguard.
Course prices vary and include first aid, CPR and AED certification as well. Some courses can be completed entirely online, at your own pace through an instructor-led video training program. After completing a final exam online, those who pass become certified immediately.
Your local city government or other regional organizations may also offer lifeguard classes and certification programs including MetroParks Tacoma, which offers certification classes for $200. Certification class prices typically range between $150-$300.
Finding a lifeguard job
Check with your local pools, YMCAs, water parks and community pools to see if they currently have lifeguard jobs available. Some jobs may require different lifeguard certifications.
▪ The city of Seattle is currently hiring for multiple lifeguard positions, starting at $19.51 an hour.
▪ The city of Spokane is looking for seasonal lifeguards starting at $15.00 an hour.
▪ In Tacoma, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is hiring a lifeguard starting at $14.50 an hour depending on experience.
▪ King County is currently a hiring a lifeguard in Federal Way with a starting pay ranging from $18.58 - $24.73 an hour.
▪ The city of Bellingham is also hiring one lifeguard and offering a $1,000 retention bonus in addition to $15.47 an hour.
▪ Great Wolf Lodge near Olympia is also hiring for lifeguards starting at $16.00 an hour.
▪ Also in the Olympia area, the Briggs YMCA has one lifeguard job advertised for $14.49 an hour.
This story was originally published July 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Washington faces lifeguard shortage, how to get certified and find a summer lifeguard job."
