Philadelphia Seeks 400 Lifeguards Amid Nationwide Shortage; Offers Free Training and Incentives
Philadelphia‘s Parks and Recreation has kicked-off a big push to staff 60 public pools, looking for 400 lifeguards for the summer 2025. The jobs pay $16-18 per hour, with nice early signup bonuses up to $1,000.
Since March 11, Red Cross certification classes have been happening at the Lincoln High School pool. Will Coleman runs these classes, mostly aimed at young people between 16 and 24 who want to work at pools this summer.
Early birds get the best deal here. Anyone who signs up by April 15 and works 200 hours can grab a $1,000 bonus. Those who join by May 15 can still get $500 for working the whole season.
High school senior Sinaya Bradshaw stressed the position’s importance. “I want to be a lifeguard just to show, just to help kids and make sure them happy and make sure they are safe,” she told Fox29.
The numbers are looking better. The city went from having 196 guards in 2022 to 353 in 2024. Two years back, they couldn’t even open 10 pools because they didn’t have enough staff.
Anyone wanting the job needs to pass two tests. First, they’ll do timed swimming, then show they can swim and tread water well enough. If they pass, they can start Red Cross certification training.
People can practice for the tests without paying anything. Once you get certified, it’s good for two years.
Training runs from now through May. They offer different times Monday through Friday so people can work it into their schedules.
You don’t have to live in the city to apply. They just want to get all the pools open and running.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation covers training and certification costs for qualified applicants. Anyone interested can apply through the city.
Lifeguards typically work 35 hours per week from June through August.
