Lifeguard/Swim Lesson Instructor (16+, part-time)

Mt.-Prospect-Park-District; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 23,419; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Facility privileges

Discounts

Job summary

Mt. Prospect Park District is seeking part-time Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors to ensure patron safety and deliver swim instruction to all ages.

Training is provided, and candidates must pass a background check and hold current lifeguard certification with CPR/AED/First Aid. Positions include responsibilities such as supervising the pool, teaching classes, enforcing rules, and maintaining a safe, clean environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and able to pass a background check.
• Must possess current American Red Cross Water Park Lifeguard certification or obtain before start.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required.
• Able to recognize unsafe conditions and respond to emergencies quickly.
• Able to communicate effectively and work well with patrons and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision of patrons in the aquatic facility and ensure safety.
• Teach swim lessons to children and/or adults per program guidelines.
• Enforce pool rules and maintain discipline in the facility.
• Perform first aid and rescue procedures as necessary.
• Report safety or maintenance issues to the Pool Manager.
• Participate in rescue drills, training sessions and skill development.
• Maintain current lifeguard certification and attend required trainings.
• Work schedule may include evenings and weekends.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

CPR/AED/First Aid

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Incorporated in 1955 and encompassing more than 454 acres, the Mt. Prospect Park District provides outstanding recreational programs, events, parks, facilities and services. With seven primary facilities and 27 neighborhood parks, the Park District is an integral part of a thriving multi-generational community. District open space includes two outdoor pools, biking and walking paths, a dog park and sizable space for outdoor athletic programming. The District covers over 11 square miles and serves a region of over a quarter million residents in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities. The Mt. Prospect Park District is a proud recipient of the 2026 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Exceptional Workplace Award!

We are searching for part-time Lifeguards/Swim Lesson Instructors. We are willing to train energetic and reliable people with an interest in Aquatics! The Lifeguard will be responsible for providing appropriate supervision and ensuring the safety of patrons in the aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies. Responsible for conducting swim lessons for children and/or adults. Candidates must be at least 16 years old in order to work the required shift times for these positions. Candidates must also be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.

The pay rate for Certified Lifeguards when working as a Lifeguard, Swim Lesson Instructor, or when training is $17 per hour. The pay rate for a non-certified Swim Lesson Instructor is $16 per hour, and $15 per hour when training. District employees also receive facility privileges and discounts.

Requirements

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• Responsible for providing appropriate supervision and ensuring the safety of patrons in the aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies. Responsible for conducting swim lessons for children and/or adults.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide appropriate supervision of patrons in the aquatic facility.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies.
• Prevent accidents by enforcing pool rules, and maintain discipline.
• Teach swim classes in accordance with the Park District’s instructional swimming program.
• Perform first aid technique and rescue procedures, as necessary.
• Report any irregular discipline, safety or maintenance problems to the Pool Manager.
• Participate in rescue drills, first aid reviews, instructional clinics and other skill development activities.
• Maintain current lifeguard certification.
• Attend required training and meetings.
• Perform the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, employee handbook, and work safety rules.
• Perform basic maintenance in the pool area and locker rooms to ensure a safe and clean environment.
• Observe and follow all Park District safety policies and regulations.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Additional functions as assigned which may be considered essential.
• All other duties as assigned by the on-duty Pool Manager, Aquatics Supervisor, Aquatics Manager, Superintendent of Recreation, Director of Recreation, and/or the Executive Director. However, in an emergency, perform all other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 16 years old and must be a high school student, high school graduate, or possess a G.E.D.
• Must possess current American Red Cross Water Park Lifeguard certification or the ability to obtain certification prior to the first day of employment and/or swim season.
• Must possess and maintain CPR (Infant, Child and Adult), AED and First Aid Certification.
• Must be able to recognize unsafe conditions and respond accordingly. Must be able to respond to emergency situations quickly while understanding procedures and policies.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with others to allow for the coordination of work, for safety purposes and for emergency situations. Must be able to understand and follow written and/or verbal instructions.
• Must be able to exhibit patience and understanding with patrons, staff and the general public. Must be able to work well with others including patrons and fellow staff of the park district.
• Must be able to lift a 150-pound person from the water. Must be able to perform tasks that require walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and reaching.
• Must be able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time. Must be able to enter the pool and swim at any time.
• Lifeguards are exposed to indoor and outdoor conditions including water, sun, high humidity, and excessive heat and cold.
• Due to the needs of the Park District, evening and weekend hours may be required. Your work schedule may vary and your workweek may exceed regular hours at times, but will be less than 1,000 hours per year. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the Lifeguard and Swim Lesson Instructor position.

Nothing contained herein shall preclude or limit the Park District from changing this written job description through addition, deletion or modification of essential job duties.

The Mt. Prospect Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.