Lifeguard; Seasonal

Overview

The City of Independence is seeking seasonal Lifeguards to work under the city's Parks & Recreation Department from Monday, May 18, 2026 - Monday, September 7, 2026. The City of Independence Recreation Department is committed to excellence in programming, facilities, and service while improving the quality of life within our community.

• Recognize and respond quickly and effectively as the first responder.
• Routinely engage with the public during active surveillance to enforce all aquatic facility rules.
• Inspect the facility on a daily basis including testing the pool water every 4 hours and reporting any unsafe conditions promptly.
• Participate in all Lifeguard In-service training sessions.
• Participate in unannounced emergency response scenarios.
• Maintain a fitness level equivalent to American Red Cross Lifeguard performance criteria.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Accountability
• Coaches and Resolves Conflict
• Communication
• Customer Service Focus
• Leadership
• Ability to Manage Change / Adaptability
• Planning and Execution
• Problem Solving
• Prioritizing
• Multi-tasking
• Strategic Planning
• Teamwork

• Lifeguard Certification or proficient swimmer with the ability to become Lifeguard certified.
• Must pass a drug test and background check.
• Minors will need a parental approval form completed by their guardian.
• Additionally, if you're a minor, please refer to state requirements regarding student working papers, if applicable.

• Selected candidates must participate in an onboarding event on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the City of Independence Campus. Information on this event will be issued to selected candidates later in the spring.

• Ability to stand, walk, and move in and around a pool deck for extended periods of time.
• Ability to enter, exit, and work safely in a swimming pool, at any time while on duty.
• Maintain vigilance and fast reaction times.
• Reach, lift, and carry rescue equipment and possibly assist injured patrons.
• Tolerance for exposure to warm, humid, and chlorinated pool environments for extended periods.
• Ability to physically stand, bend, squat and lift up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors under typical Ohio weather conditions.

• The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

• The pay range for lifeguards is $13.00 - $18.00 per hour.
• The pay range for lifeguards with WSI Certification is $14.00 - $19.00 per hour.
• This role is subject to yearly pay increases.
• Staff receive paid training for recertification and some advancement opportunities, including:
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
• There are also shift bonuses issued for Holiday and Weekend shifts.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This position is an "at will" position and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.