Seasonal Lifeguard - Reichardt Community Recreation Center

City of Des Moines • Des Moines, IA

24d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Lifeguard safeguards swimming pool and aquatic center patrons across water areas and depths and ensures proper use of the pool area. This seasonal position is located at Reichardt Community Recreation Center and runs approximately December 2026 through March 2027, for approximately 40 hours per week. Assigned hours fall between 8:00 AM and 7:30 PM and include weekends. Lifeguards may also be required to work before or after public swimming hours for special aquatic programs or facility rentals.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old and able to secure a work permit. They must hold current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications, or be able to obtain the required certifications by the employment start date. Certifications must remain valid through March 31, 2027. The City of Des Moines may offer conditional hires the opportunity to take its lifeguard training class on December 4–6, 2026. The registration fee is waived for those who work as a City lifeguard through January 31, 2027; those who do not will be required to pay a prorated amount. Applicants must pass satisfactory criminal, sex offender, and driving record background checks. Hiring preference is given to applicants who can work consistently throughout the season and already hold current lifeguard certification.

Requirements

• Must be at least 15 years of age and able to secure a work permit.
• Must possess a valid, current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification and CPR Certification, or be able to obtain the required certifications by the employment start date.
• Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications must be valid through March 31, 2027.
• Must pass satisfactory criminal, sex offender, and driving record background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work consistently throughout the season.
• Current lifeguard certification.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules and regulations regarding public health and safety.
• Warn patrons about hazardous practices and instruct them on facility rules.
• Assist people in distress using lifeguarding techniques and perform water rescues.
• Provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as needed.
• Maintain constant watch for accidents, potential accidents, and hazards in all aquatic areas and depths.
• Provide superior customer service.
• Assist with maintenance work on or around aquatic facilities.
• Perform opening, operating, and closing cleaning duties, including vacuuming the pool and cleaning floors, counters, restrooms, decks, and landscaped areas.
• Work before or after public swimming hours for special aquatic programs or facility rentals when required.

Benefits

• City lifeguard training class offered to candidates accepting a conditional offer of employment; registration fee is waived for those who work for the City through January 31, 2027.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed