Seasonal Lifeguard - Reichardt Community Recreation Center

City of Des Moines, IA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Des Moines, IA seeks lifeguards for Reichardt Community Recreation Center to safeguard patrons across water areas and depths. You will focus on safety, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies with trained lifeguard techniques.

Applicants must hold an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification and CPR certification, be at least 15, and be able to obtain a work permit. Certifications must be valid through March 31, 2027.

Qualifications

• Must hold current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification and CPR Certification.
• Age 15+ with ability to obtain a work permit.
• Background checks including criminal, sex offender and driving history may be required.
• Seasonal commitment with weekend availability and 40 hours/week expected.

Responsibilities

• Guard pool areas and supervise patrons for safety.
• Perform water rescues and administer First Aid/CPR as needed.
• Enforce pool rules and health/safety regulations.
• Assist with facility maintenance and cleaning duties.

Skills

Lifeguard skills

Customer service

First aid

Situational awareness

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

Under general supervision, to safeguard swimming pool/aquatic center patrons in various water areas and depths of aquatic facilities, and to ensure proper use of pool area.

Positions are available at the following recreation center:

Reichardt Community Recreation Center

Application Process

Applicants deemed most qualified based on qualifications may be contacted for an interview.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted until such time a sufficient number of qualified applications is received to fill the positions.

Approximate employment duration: Approximately 40 hours per week. Assigned work hours between 8:00 AM and 7:30 PM including weekends from December 2026 - March 2027.

Note

Hiring preference is given to applicants having the ability to work consistently throughout the season and who hold a current lifeguard certification.

• Must be 15 years of age and able to secure a work permit.

• Candidates are required to possess a valid and current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification and CPR Certification or have the ability to obtain required certifications by employment start date.
  • Certifications may be obtained through the American Red Cross and must be valid through March 31, 2027.
  • Candidates accepting a conditional offer of employment as a Lifeguard with the City of Des Moines will be offered the opportunity to take the Lifeguard training class through the City of Des Moines (class dates December 4 -6, 2026). The registration fee will be waived for those who work as a Lifeguard for the City of Des Moines through January 31, 2027. Those who do not work as a Lifeguard for the City of Des Moines through January 31, 2027 will be required to pay a pro-rated amount for the certification training. Alternatively, lifeguard classes are offered year round throughout the community.

If you have current certifications such as American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, CPR, AED and/or First Aid, please attach these to your application. Candidates are required to possess a valid and current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification or have the ability to obtain the required certifications by employment start date. Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications must be valid through March 31, 2027.

• Requires satisfactory criminal, sex offender and driving record background checks.

• Enforces all rules and regulations regarding public health and safety;
• Warns patrons against hazardous practices and instructs patrons on facility rules;
• Assists persons in distress by applying lifeguarding techniques and performing water rescues;
• Applies First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation as needed. Maintains constant watch for accidents or potential accidents or hazards in all water areas and depths of aquatic facilities;
• Possess and utilize superior customer service skills;
• Assists with maintenance work on or around the aquatic facilities;
• Performs cleaning duties relative to opening, operating, and closing the facilities as well as vacuuming the pool, cleaning floors, counters, restrooms, decks and landscaped areas;
• Lifeguards may be required to work before or after public swimming hours for special aquatic programs or facility rentals.