Philly Parks And Rec Looking For Summer Lifeguards

PHILADELPHIA — Summer may seem far off still, but the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for summer by launching its lifeguard training and recruitment process this week.

The department hires hundreds of lifeguards annually to work at city pools.

Lifeguard positions pay $14.74 to $16.97 an hour.

Interested applicants should first brush up on swimming skills, and prepare for the lifeguard screening. Applicants can begin training as early as tomorrow with coronavirus safety protocols in place

Lifeguard training and certification will take place at the Samuel Recreation Center, 3539 Gaul St. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and at St. Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 W. Girard Ave. St. Joe's will open the week of March 29

Interested parties can register for the Samuel Center online here.

Getting lifeguard certified is free for applicants 16 to 24 years old who commit to working at a city pool. The Red Cross lifeguard certification fee is $110 for all other candidates.

A detailed list of requirements is available online here.

"After this past year of limited recreation and no pool season, we know Philadelphians are ready for the safe return of traditional summer fun," said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. "Parks & Rec lifeguards are the foundation of the summer fun we provide in every neighborhood of this City. From retirees and school teachers to teens and young adults, lifeguards help make summer a little brighter for Philly kids."