Lifeguard

City of Racine; Racine (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking city department, where you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of beachgoers. As a lifeguard, you will monitor swimming activities, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies at beautiful Lake Michigan beaches. This position offers the chance to work outdoors, engage with the community, and develop essential life-saving skills. With a commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment, you will be part of a team that values professionalism and community service. If you are passionate about water safety and enjoy working in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Retention Bonus

Lifeguard Certification Reimbursement

Outdoor Work Environment

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid Lifeguard Certificate by the first scheduled work day.
• Ability to respond calmly and efficiently to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and supervise swimming activities at assigned beach areas.
• Enforce beach rules and ensure a safe swimming environment.

Skills

Lifeguard Certification

Emergency Response

Communication Skills

Physical Fitness

Judgment and Tact

Education

Completion of Sophomore year of High School

High School Graduate

College Student

Tools

AED

Rescue Board

Two-way Radios

EMILY Rescue Drone

Outboard Boat Motor

Bobcat UTV

Job description

NOTE:
City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!
$400 retention bonus
Lifeguard Certification Reimbursement Available.

INTRODUCTION:
The City of Racine, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department (PRCS) is a division of the City of Racine government. We manage parks and beaches totaling over 1,100 acres, five community centers, and many other facilities, providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities. It is our mission to preserve our parks and open spaces and provide essential recreational programs and cultural services in a safe, professional, and friendly manner.

POSITION AND PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Recreational Specialist: Lifeguard manager or designee, the position is responsible for the safety, security, and well-being of the public within established Protected Areas during posted times at North and Zoo Beaches located along the City of Racine’s Lake Michigan Shoreline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Monitors and supervise swimming activities at assigned beach Protected Areas.
2. Maintains a safe swimming environment to protect swimming participants through enforcing beach rules and taking proactive actions to prevent water or first aid emergencies within the assigned beach Protected Areas.
3. Perform any emergency safety procedures in or out of the water, as necessary.
4. Respond to any emergency as necessary in or out of the water in the Unprotected Areas or surrounding Park Areas.
5. Communicate with the public in a friendly and professional manner in all interactions.
6. Use “Proactive Lifeguarding” interactions with the public as an opportunity to provide open water safety education or awareness.
7. Work cooperatively with supervisors.
8. Help maintain equipment in proper working order.
9. Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.
10. Attend all Lifeguard training sessions.
11. Perform related duties as assigned.

Environmental / Working Conditions of the Position:

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions include extreme heat, extreme cold, wind, and rain.
• Exposure to open water with variable conditions including large waves, strong currents, and extreme cold.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Completion of Sophomore year of High School.
• 16 years of age.

Preference will be given to high school graduates and college students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Possession of a Lifeguard Certificate in good standing by the first day you are scheduled to work as a lifeguard. Preferably by June 1st, 2025.
• Successful completion of the North Beach Water Test (In the case there are more applicants than openings the top scoring applicants will move forward to the next phase. All others will be placed on a waiting list.)
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions with minimum direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, and exercise good judgement, courtesy and tact when dealing with the general public.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm, efficient and responsible manner.
• Be in good physical condition.
• Ability to operate City vehicles in a safe defensive driving posture.

Physical Demands of the Position:
Duties involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as swimming for long distances in rough waters, strong currents, walking/running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, leaping, jumping down, standing in place or continual walking, lifting and carrying of moderate to heavy items (including people) on a consistent basis.

Equipment Used:
Lifeguards may be asked to operate an outboard boat motor, full size pickup truck, Bobcat UTV, AED, rescue board, various lifeguard and first aid equipment, two-way radios, basic tools, and EMILY Rescue Drone.

Expected Work Schedule:

• Mandatory attendance of all Pre-Season Training and Meeting dates Mid to Late May – Exact times and dates TBD.
• Full-Time Status (40hrs/week) – Must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, up to 5 days of 8-hour shifts.
• There are 2 shifts 9:40am to 5:40pm and 10:15am to 6:15pm.
• Part Time Status (Less than 40hrs/week) – Based on availability of the applicant (within reason) – preference will be given to FTE candidates.
• Mandatory attendance at all 8 Early Morning In-Service Training Sessions that take place before the start of the first shift. This is in addition to the FTE 40hrs and will receive overtime for these training hours.

*Please note that work schedules, times, rates, of pay may be subject to change.