Lifeguard Training & Hiring

Successfully completing a swimming pre-test is required to participate in the Lifeguard training course. The swimming pre-test occurs approximately 7-10 days before class begins and includes two elements:

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

• Jump into the water and totally 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 are allowed.)
• 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.

Prerequisite description source: American Red Cross

Lifeguarding instructors will provide additional information about course requirements and expectations following successful completion of the swimming test. 

Lifeguards protect their community by preventing, recognizing and responding to water-related emergencies.

As a professional Lifeguard, your primary duties will include:

• Monitoring activities in and near the water through patron surveillance
• Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors
• Enforcing facility rules and regulations and educating patrons about them
• Recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to all emergencies
• Administering first aid, CPR, AED, and O2 when needed
• Working as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff and management 

To fulfill the responsibilities of a professional Lifeguard, you must always be mentally and emotionally prepared to do your job. DPR Lifeguards are expected to be:

• Knowledgeable and Skilled — Through annual and preseason orientation and training, and ongoing in-service training
• Reliable — Arrive to work on time, ready to work and respond to all incidents quickly and effectively
• Mature — Be a leader but also a good team member, act responsibly, take initiative, and obey all facility rules, leading others by example
• Positive — Show a positive attitude in all job activities 
• Professional — Look and behave professionally and be prepared to respond appropriately to any situation by:
  • Wearing lifeguard uniform only when on duty
  • Sitting or standing upright while at the lifeguard station
  • Keeping rescue equipment positioned for immediate use
  • Keeping your eyes focused on your assigned zone of coverage
  • Observing all facility rules, regulations and policies
• Be healthy and fit, eat and rest, hydrate and protect yourself from sun exposure

Contact the Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) Aquatics Office if your question is not answered here: 720.865.0660 | aquaticsjobs@denvergov.org

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start?
Upon completion of the Office of Human Resources hiring process, you will receive an email titled Clear to Start: John J. Lifeguard (Your Name). An assigned Coordinator will reach out to you about scheduling, pool-specific orientation and a start date.

When will I work?
Whether you want to work year-round or seasonally, 39 hours per week or 3 hours per month, we will do our best to make a schedule that works for you! Availability can be discussed during the hiring process and on a weekly basis once you begin work.

DPR is always hiring for early morning and daytime guards who can work year-round!

Where will I work?
As a DPR Lifeguard, you may be asked to work at any of our 30 aquatics facilities (14 indoor and 16 outdoor). Visit our Find a Swimming Pool page for an interactive map of our pools.

You will have an opportunity to submit location assignment requests during the initial hiring process, as well as seasonally.

The Aquatics team makes every effort to fulfill specific pool assignment requests, however, assignments are made based on staff availability and coverage needs throughout the city. You may be asked to work at multiple locations seasonally, or as coverage is needed.

What does the job pay?
New Lifeguards with Denver Parks and Recreation earn $18.81/hour.

Will I be eligible for benefits?
Some DPR Lifeguards qualify for healthcare and other benefits through the City and County of Denver. Lifeguards should contact the Office of Human Resources with specific questions about their benefit eligibility. Learn more in the Human Resource Center.

What advancement opportunities exist for Lifeguards?
As a DPR employee, you will have the ability to apply as an internal candidate for jobs throughout the City and County of Denver.

Within Aquatics, there are potential advancement opportunities for Lifeguards to become:

• Water Safety Instructors
• Certified Fitness Instructors
• Pool Coordinators
• Aquatics Coordinators
• Pool Maintenance Technicians

Within Parks and Recreation, there are potential advancement opportunities for Lifeguards to become:

• Recreation Assistants
• Recreation Service Representatives
• Administrative Support Assistants
• Recreation Instructors
• Fitness Instructors
• and more!

Explore careers at the City and County of Denver (CCD) by visiting the CCD Jobs Portal.