Be A Lifeguard

Photograph of a diverse group of seven lifeguards in red tank tops standing on a beach.


Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives.  

The 2027 summer application is now open. Make $21.25 next summer in the parks!
Apply below.

There are 4 Steps to Apply

    1. Apply
    A couple of teens are working on laptops

    Apply to be a lifeguard.

    No previous experience is necessary! 

    To work as a lifeguard in summer 2027, you must be at least 16 years of age and a resident of the City of Chicago by July 1, 2027.

    Apply Now

    2. Test

    Take the test.

    A swimmer is in a pool

    The Lifeguard Skills Test includes:

    • 200-yard timed swim
    • 20-yard underwater swim
    • Retrieve underwater object

    After successfully completing the test, candidates are conditionally hired and assigned to an American Red Cross certification class (see step 3).

    Upcoming Test Dates:

    • Friday, November 13, 4 pm at
      Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St.
       
    • Saturday, December 19, 9 am at
      Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St.

    You'll select your test date as part of the application process (step 1). 

    3. Get Certified

    Complete the American Red Cross certification class.

    People strapping a person to a floating stretcher in a pool

    You will select your class session at the Lifeguard Skills test, after passing the test (step 2). Class options begin the day after each test. At the successful completion of the class, you'll receive your certification.

    All lifeguards who complete this certification class, and work for the Park District through Monday, September 6, 2027 (Labor Day weekend) will receive a $200 stipend at that time.

    4. Complete Paperwork

    Complete employment forms & get fingerprinted.

    People are completing paperwork in a park gymnasium

    Check your e-mail! After you apply you’ll receive updates on required forms, fingerprinting, and everything else you’ll need before your first day of work. See more on this in the FAQs below.

    Once your paperwork and processing are complete, you are officially hired! 

    Summer location assignments will be made after March 1, 2027, to everyone who completed all steps, in the order they completed the process. Completing everything early helps you get an earlier choice of locations. Your first week will be 40 hours of paid training, which begins as early as mid-May 2027.

    Additional Info & FAQ's

      Lifeguard Skills Test Prep

      We offer the following opportunities to help you prepare for the Lifeguard Skills Test.

      • Lifeguard Explorers (ages 14-19)
      • Learn to Swim Classes
      • TEAM Sports
        This program includes Swim Team, Water Polo and Junior Lifeguarding. Participants learn or improve their four competitive strokes, learn skills and game techniques for water polo, and how to use rescue equipment and perform rescue techniques.
        Learn More/Register 
         
      • Lap Swim
        Lap swim sessions are offered at most pools. Need swimming advice?  Attend lap swim and ask a lifeguard for assistance. We're happy to help get you ready for the test!
        A lap swim membership is required. Membership fees are waived for Lifeguard applicants. Inquire with the lifeguard at Lap Swim.
        View Lap Swim Info 
         
      • Chicago Park District & Chicago Public Schools Learn to Swim programs
        The Chicago Park District Learn to Swim Program can be offered at Chicago Public School High Schools, during the school day.
        If you're interested in having this class at your school, please Inquire with your school principal.
      FAQ's

      1. What are the time requirements for the Lifeguard Skills Test?

      • 200-yard swim in less than 3 min., 30 sec.  (4 min., 30 sec. for Shallow Water Attendants)
      • 20-yard underwater swim
      • Retrieval of a 10-pound object from a depth of 10-14 feet
         

      2. How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?
      Applicants for the summer 2027 lifeguard position must be 16 years old by July 1, 2027.
       

      3. Do you have to live in Chicago?
      Yes, you must be a Chicago resident to work for the Chicago Park District. You do not have to be a resident to apply, but you must be a resident at the time of hire.
       

      4. What is the rate of pay?
      The 2027 pay rate is $21.25 an hour for Seasonal Lifeguard, and $18.52 for Shallow Water Attendant. 
       

      5. When do I get paid for taking my American Red Cross certification or recertification class?
      Stipends for taking these classes will be sent only to candidates who work for the Chicago Park District in summer of 2027 through Monday, September 6, 2027 (Labor Day weekend). If you do not accept a job with the Chicago Park District and work the required days, no stipend will be given for completing this class.
       

      6. What forms do I need to complete?

      You’ll need to complete several onboarding forms after you are hired. Most forms are completed electronically through the Park District’s online onboarding system. These include:

      • Federal and State W-4 Tax Forms
      • Direct Deposit Form
      • Policy Acknowledgments
      • I-9 Form: Confirms that you’re legally eligible to work in the United States. This form must be completed and signed in person with Park District staff present.


      7. Will I be fingerprinted?
      Yes. Fingerprinting for a criminal background check through the FBI and Illinois State Police (ISP) is required and may be conducted at the lifeguard swim test. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID.


      8. When is the Lifeguard Skills Test offered?
      The Lifeguard Skills Test is offered on the following dates:

      • Friday, November 13, 4 pm at, Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St.
      • Saturday, December 19, 9 am at, Whitney Young High School, 211 S. Laflin St

      Additional dates may be added later. 

      You'll select your test day after completing the Lifeguard application.  


      9. When are the American Red Cross certification classes offered?
      The dates and locations for the American Red Cross Certification classes will be posted soon. You will select your training session after passing the Lifeguard Skills Test.


      10. Why are some American Red Cross classes meeting more days than others?
      American Red Cross Classes are measured in hours, rather than days, and also vary based on whether they are for a new certification or a renewal. For example, a renewal for someone who has worked for The Chicago Park District before is 16 hours, so it is usually done over 2 days.  However, if the class meets on school days, it could be done in 4-hour blocks, and thus take 4 days. A new certification is about 40 hours, so it could range anywhere from 5-10 days based on the hours of the classes each day.
       

      11. If I'm a returning lifeguard, will I get the same location I was at last year?
      Not necessarily. Locations are filled on a first completed/first assigned basis. If a specific location is important, test and train as early as possible to have your best chance for that. 
       

      For questions, email lifeguards@chicagoparkdistrict.com.

      Images detailing some of the benefits available to lifeguards

      More than a job.

      The Chicago Park District is home to pools and beaches along 26 miles of beautiful lakefront. These destinations are jewels in the crown of our incredible city, offering recreation opportunities – to residents and tourists of all ages. They are the backdrops of valuable life experiences – where we learn to swim, find relief from the sweltering summer heat or simply go to have fun.

      On duty at our beaches and pools are Chicago lifeguards. Being a Chicago lifeguard is more than a job – it’s a meaningful and fulfilling path to any career one might aspire to. Watch the video on Youtube.


      Who we are.

      We are students building valuable skills for future careers. Aquatics and recreation professionals growing the next generation of swimmers. Teachers on summer break. Retirees looking to give back to their community. We are heroes who save lives.

      Chicago Park District lifeguards come from all walks of life–different neighborhoods, ages, interests, and professional backgrounds. What we share is a love for the water and a calling to serve.

      A lifeguard in a red lifeguard tank top stands by an indoor pool.
      A lifeguard talking to kids in a pool

      What we do.

      Our first and most important job as lifeguards is to keep swimmers safe. This means we guard beaches and pools to protect swimmers from accidents and drowning, and we respond to emergency situations in accordance with established methods and protocols.

      We also lead and assist in instructing recreational activities for our aquatic programs like swimming lessons, hydro-aerobics, water polo and swim team.

      Why we do it.

      Kids having fun in their local pool on a hot summer day. Families enjoying a picnic at the beach. Friends maintaining their fitness in a hydro-aerobics class. Chicago’s pools and beaches are the backdrops for special moments that make lifelong memories–and lifeguards make these moments possible.

      As lifeguards, we believe in becoming better people and giving back to our communities. We take pride in knowing that our jobs make a difference in the lives of all Chicagoans. Having fun and working in a supportive environment makes the job that much better.

      Children swimming in a pool

      Interested in other positions in the Parks?

      View All Park District Jobs


      For questions about the Chicago Park District’s Lifeguard Hiring and Training process, please contact the 
      Chicago Park District Aquatics office at (312) 742-7801.