Parks and Recreation looking to hire 400 lifeguards

Chilly temperatures may remind us more each day that winter is here, but warmer times are ahead. To prepare for those times, Philadelphia’s Park and Recreation (PPR) has launched its lifeguard recruitment program and will pay its lifeguards between $13.65 and $15.92 per hour.

PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell believes lifeguard jobs are a great way for young people to earn money during the summer. “Our lifeguard program provides an amazing opportunity for Philadelphia’s young people to secure a well-paying summer job and gain valuable work experience,” Lovell said.

Aquatics Program coordinator Christine Rad recommends that potential lifeguards apply soon so that they have adequate time to complete the training and screening required of all lifeguards. “By starting in winter and early spring, folks can have a summer job secured,” Rad said. With 400 lifeguard jobs available at 70 local outdoor pools and three indoor pools, there are several employment opportunities for job seekers that begin the process now.

Lovell emphasized how much the competitive recruitment process has served as a gateway for many Parks & Recreation employees’ careers. “The opportunity serves as an entry into a Parks & Recreation career, since many of our long-time employees got their start in our aquatics program,” said Lovell.

Free screenings will be held at the PPR indoor training facilities from now and end in June. Pickett Swimming Pool’s screenings are scheduled from Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m., and Lincoln Pool’s screenings will be on Mondays and Fridays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Lifeguard candidates must be at least 15 years old and have to be 16 years old to work for PPR.

Lifeguard certifications to work for PPR are available at the Pickett and Lincoln Pools and are $110 for each lifeguard candidate and $175 if the candidate decides to work elsewhere.

For more information on lifeguard certifications, go to www.phila.gov/lifeguards.