Lifeguard Trainee

City of El Segundo; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of El Segundo is offering a trainee Lifeguard position designed to evaluate the skills needed to become a Lifeguard. The role is seasonal, part-time and hourly, with training leading to ARC Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers. Selected candidates must attend all Lifeguard Training Academy sessions on November 7–8, 2026 from 7:00 a.m.

to 7:00 p.m. and be at least 15 years old; first review of applications is October 9, 2026, with consideration possible for late

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Strong swimming ability.
• Ability to perform emergency response tasks.

Responsibilities

• Attend mandatory training and seminars provided by the City of El Segundo Recreation Division.
• Observe swimmers in pool and surrounding area to ensure safety.
• Support facility maintenance and record-keeping related to aquatic operations.

Job description

$16.90 per hour, pending City Council approval at the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting

This is a trainee position designed to assess the skill set necessary to be a Lifeguard. Incumbents participate in a multi-day training program to learn how to properly perform swim rescues, provide emergency medical treatment; assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment; and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Training Academy, trainees will earn American Red Cross certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and may be appointed to a Lifeguard position. Selected candidates are required to attend the Lifeguard Training program on November 7 and 8, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to obtain the required certifications.

The first review of applications will be completed on Friday, October 9, 2026. Applications received after October 9, 2026, may not be considered.

This seasonal, part- time, hourly, at -will position requires working mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives supervision from the Aquatics Recreation Supervisor, Aquatics Recreation Coordinator, Senior Lifeguard, or other assigned supervisory staff.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend mandatory training, education and seminars provided by the City of El Segundo Recreation Division;
• Learn how to observe swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area;
• Undergo written and physically administered tests necessary for certification;
• Successfully complete and pass American Red Cross certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
• Provide first aid, CPR, and/ or pool rescue skills as needed at the conclusion of the training program;
• Learn how to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on facilities and equipment, including monitoring chemical balance in pools, backwashing pools, and related functions;
• Maintain records on activities and operations; document information in logbooks;
• Regularly and predictably attend work; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/ or ability required:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of basic pool lifeguarding and first aid; and
• Swimming strokes and diving techniques.

Skill in:

• Swimming with endurance and proficiency at a level necessary to perform assigned duties;
• Learning American Red Cross methods and techniques required to become a Lifeguard;
• Adequately pass written and physical examinations;
• Performing a wide variety of swimming and diving skills;
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Handling stressful or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy;
• Appearing for work on time; Following oral and written instructions;
• Understanding and follow posted work rules and procedures;
• Accepting constructive criticism; and
• Establish and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, specifically the public, staff, committee members and public officials.

A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Some experience working with the public and previous aquatics experience. Must be 15 years of age.

Training:

Athletic conditioning as part of a school, traveling or other sports team and/ or other athletic background in an individual sport or fitness pursuit. Must be available to attend all required Lifeguard Training Academy sessions on November 7 and 8, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendance at all training sessions is mandatory.

Please Note:

Individuals in this classification are required to successfully pass a background check that complies with Public Resources Code section 5164, which mandates that a city that hires a person to work at a park, playground, recreational center or beach, in a position having supervisory or disciplinary authority over a minor, shall complete an application that inquires whether that individual has been convicted of specified criminal offenses.

Working Conditions:

Work is regularly performed indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions. May be required to work a varied schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Required to wear a uniform while on duty.

Disaster Service Worker:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of El Segundo employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The City of El Segundo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to build and sustain an environment that values diversity, welcomes opportunities to engage and understand others, and foster a sense of belonging.