Lifeguard Training & Hiring

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

Contact the Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) Aquatics Office if your question is not answered here: 720.865.0660 | aquatics@denvergov.org

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start?
Upon completion of the Office of Human Resources hiring process, you will receive an email titled Clear to Start: John J. Lifeguard (Your Name). An assigned Coordinator will reach out to you about scheduling, pool-specific orientation and a start date.

When will I work?
Whether you want to work year-round or seasonally, 39 hours per week or 3 hours per month, we will do our best to make a schedule that works for you! Availability can be discussed during the hiring process and on a weekly basis once you begin work.

DPR is always hiring for early morning and daytime guards who can work year-round!

Where will I work?
As a DPR Lifeguard, you may be asked to work at any of our 30 aquatics facilities (14 indoor and 16 outdoor). Visit our Find a Swimming Pool page for an interactive map of our pools.

You will have an opportunity to submit location assignment requests during the initial hiring process, as well as seasonally.

The Aquatics team makes every effort to fulfill specific pool assignment requests, however, assignments are made based on staff availability and coverage needs throughout the city. You may be asked to work at multiple locations seasonally, or as coverage is needed.

What does the job pay?
The current starting pay rate for Denver Parks and Recreation Lifeguards is $17.29 per hour.

Will I be eligible for benefits?
Some DPR Lifeguards qualify for healthcare and other benefits through the City and County of Denver. Lifeguards should contact the Office of Human Resources with specific questions about their benefit eligibility. Learn more in the Human Resource Center.

What advancement opportunities exist for Lifeguards?
As a DPR employee, you will have the ability to apply as an internal candidate for jobs throughout the City and County of Denver.

Within Aquatics, there are potential advancement opportunities for Lifeguards to become:

• Water Safety Instructors
• Certified Fitness Instructors
• Pool Coordinators
• Aquatics Coordinators
• Pool Maintenance Technicians

Within Parks and Recreation, there are potential advancement opportunities for Lifeguards to become:

• Recreation Assistants
• Recreation Service Representatives
• Administrative Support Assistants
• Recreation Instructors
• Fitness Instructors
• and more!

Explore careers at the City and County of Denver (CCD) by visiting the CCD Jobs Portal.