Lifeguard Training & Hiring

IMPORTANT: Lifeguard training is available only for City and County of Denver applicants. Candidates must apply before they can enroll in a class. 

Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory, as is completion of all online coursework prior to the start of class sessions for American Red Cross Blended Learning Classes.

• Blended Learning combines online knowledge and 20 hours of in-person water, first-aid and CPR/AED skills training.
• Traditional/Standard Lifeguard Training is 26 hours of in-person courses in the water and classroom.

Class participants are encouraged to bring note-taking materials and are welcome to bring snacks or meals. Be prepared to get in the water for all class sessions.

Next Certification Courses:

June 6, 7, 8, 2022 | Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center
PRE-TEST: Wed. May 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

June 4, 5 & 11 | Carla Madison Recreation Center
PRE-TEST: Thurs. May 26, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

June 8, 9, 10, 2022 | Athmar Recreation Center 
PRE-TEST: Fri. May 27, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

June 25, 26 & July 2 | Carla Madison Recreation Center
PRE-TEST: Thurs. June 16, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) seeks to employ a multicultural, diverse team of individuals who positively engage and impact the communities we serve. 

All DPR Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and possess a current Lifeguarding certification. 

Applicants without a Lifeguarding certification can receive no-cost training and certification through American Red Cross classes offered by DPR.

Swimming Pre-Test

Successfully completing a swimming pre-test is required to participate in the Lifeguard training course. The swimming pre-test occurs approximately 7-10 days before class begins and includes:

• Swimming 300 yards/meters (6 laps) without stopping
  • Candidates may use goggles and use any combination of front crawl or breaststroke
  • Swimming on the back or side is not allowed 
• Treading water for two (2) minutes, using the legs only
  • Candidates will be required to place their hands under the armpits 
• Completing a series of actions within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Swim 20 yards (goggles not allowed)
  • Surface dive (head or feet first) to a depth of 7-10 feet and retrieve a 10 lb diving brick
  • Return to the surface with the brick and swim 20 yards (on the back), keeping the brick at or above the surface of the water, keeping both hands on the brick
  • Place the brick on the pool deck and exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Lifeguarding instructors will provide additional information about course requirements and expectations following successful completion of the swimming test.

Lifeguards protect their community by preventing, recognizing and responding to water-related emergencies.

As a professional Lifeguard, your primary duties will include:

• Monitoring activities in and near the water through patron surveillance
• Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors
• Enforcing facility rules and regulations and educating patrons about them
• Recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to all emergencies
• Administering first aid, CPR, AED, and O2 when needed
• Working as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff and management 

To fulfill the responsibilities of a professional Lifeguard, you must always be mentally and emotionally prepared to do your job. DPR Lifeguards are expected to be:

• Knowledgeable and Skilled — Through annual and preseason orientation and training, and ongoing in-service training
• Reliable — Arrive to work on time, ready to work and respond to all incidents quickly and effectively
• Mature — Be a leader but also a good team member, act responsibly, take initiative, and obey all facility rules, leading others by example
• Positive — Show a positive attitude in all job activities 
• Professional — Look and behave professionally and be prepared to respond appropriately to any situation by:
  • Wearing lifeguard uniform only when on duty
  • Sitting or standing upright while at the lifeguard station
  • Keeping rescue equipment positioned for immediate use
  • Keeping your eyes focused on your assigned zone of coverage
  • Observing all facility rules, regulations and policies
• Be healthy and fit, eat and rest, hydrate and protect yourself from sun exposure