City Lifeguard Position
This job posting is intended for new City Lifeguard applicants only. Applicants who have previously worked for the City of Santa Clarita as a Lifeguard should apply to the PTS Returning City Lifeguard Staff 2026 posting.
The goal of the City of Santa Clarita Aquatics program is to provide safe and enjoyable aquatic experiences that are responsive to the needs of the community. This is done through various programs offered throughout the City's eight pools. The focus of the lifeguard positions will be to effectively provide aquatic programs while maintaining a safe environment.
The maximum hours worked in a week will be dependent on the season. These positions are limited to 999 hours worked in a fiscal year.
New Applicants :
1. Apply no later than Saturday, February 28, 2026, by 11 : 00 a.m. The application must be completed prior to lifeguard testing.
2. The dates and times for swim testing are provided below so applicants can plan their availability accordingly.
3. Complete the mandatory swim test (consisting of a 400-yard swim with a time under 8 minutes) on one of the following days :
Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 8 : 00 - 10 : 00 a.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Tryouts and Interviews
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6 : 00 - 8 : 00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Tryouts
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 6 : 00 - 8 : 00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Interviews
Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8 : 00 - 10 : 00 a.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Tryouts and Interviews
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 6 : 00 - 8 : 00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Tryouts
Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 3 : 00 - 7 : 00 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Interviews
Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8 : 00 - 10 : 00 a.m. at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center for Tryouts and Interviews
All candidates under the age of 18 must have a parent / guardian with them during the swim test.
Lifeguard testing will take place at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center, 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway. If you have any questions, please contact Aquatic Center staff at (661) 250-3740.
Lap swim is open to the public for lifeguard candidates who wish to practice before tryouts. Learn more at Lap Swim - Aquatics (santaclarita.gov).
Upon successful completion of the swim test and formal interview, qualifying applicants will be invited to the Lifeguard Candidate Academy. The Lifeguard Candidate Academy is an 80-hour lifeguard training school, which will take place from the end of March through early April. Participation in the Lifeguard Candidate Academy is not a guarantee of employment.
Lifeguard Candidate - $16.50 / hour
Applicants who successfully complete the swim test and formal interview and are attending the Lifeguard Candidate Academy will be considered "Lifeguard Candidates." Lifeguard candidates will receive compensation for the hours spent training at the Lifeguard Candidate Academy.
Education / Experience for Lifeguard Candidate :
Must be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2026
Six months of experience working with youth is highly desirable
Candidates who successfully complete all aspects of the Lifeguard Academy may be offered employment as a Lifeguard I at the end of the Lifeguard Candidate Academy.
Participation in the Lifeguard Candidate Academy is not a guarantee of employment as a Lifeguard I.
Lifeguard I - $19.68 $20.27 / hour
Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to :
Practices preventative lifeguarding
Understands and enforces pool rules and City policies
Inspects the pool facility and equipment on a routine basis
Maintains a clean and safe work environment
Ensures safety on-site and follows established emergency procedures
Assists with coaching youth team programs, as assigned
Assists with programs and special events, as assigned
Attends all trainings
Uses City registration software to assist in registering aquatic program participants
Maintains records of assigned programs
Operates cash register to accept payments for drop-in programs
Organizes first aid equipment
Performs pool chemical readings as needed and records on paper log
Provides excellent customer service in person and by phone
Records attendance
Reports issues to management staff
Teaches American Red Cross (A.R.C.) swimming lessons, if certified
Education / Experience for Lifeguard I :
Must be at least 16 years old
High school diploma or GED equivalent and / or some completion of college courses is desirable
Must successfully pass the City lifeguard swim test and the City Lifeguard Candidate Academy
Must pass City lifeguard swim test annually
Six months of experience working with youth is desirable
Certificates and Licenses for Lifeguard I :
Certification in A.R.C. Lifeguarding, First Aid, Adult and Pediatric CPR, and AED will be provided
Lifeguard II - $21.00 $21.63 / hour
In addition to Lifeguard I duties, knowledge, abilities, and certification requirements, the Lifeguard II position may include, but is not limited to :
Teaches swimming lessons according to A.R.C. standards
Assists with maintaining balanced water chemistry
Operates automatic and manual vacuum
Pressure washing assigned areas
Aerates the pool, as needed
Operates pool mechanical system, as needed
Education / Experience for Lifeguard II :
Must be at least 18 years old
High school diploma or GED equivalent and / or some completion of college courses is desirable
One year of experience working with youth is desirable
Certificate and Licenses for Lifeguard II :
Certified as an A.R.C. Water Safety Instructor
Knowledge and Abilities for all Lifeguard positions :
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays, as needed
Ability to lift, drag, push, and / or carry at least 25 lbs.
Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and positively, both orally and in writing
Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of tasks in an effective and timely manner, for self and others
Creative problem solver; quick learner
Strong customer service skills and the ability to effectively respond to and address public questions
Strong work ethic and the ability to work autonomously and within a collaborative team
Ability to demonstrate a high level of ethics, integrity, and professionalism
Ability to make mature decisions in difficult situations
Ability to follow and enforce City policies as they relate to the health, behavior, and safety of others
Knowledge of and ability to apply preventative lifeguarding techniques and practices
Lifeguard • Valencia, CA, US