All of the open-water lifeguarding agencies in the Pacific Northwest Region offer excellent employment opportunities. Typically, the Summer high season is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but most agencies carry on reduced operations in the Spring and Fall. If you are a lifeguard or are interested in becoming a lifeguard, check out the open positions at the area nearest you. We are always looking for qualified rescue professionals who are serious about preventative lifeguarding in an open-water environment.

Each agency has its own standards for minimum qualifications and testing requirements, as well as its own season for hiring and lifeguarding, so you would be best served by looking at the different agency profiles. For those agencies that are certified by USLA, the requirements are more stringent. In general, Red Cross Lifeguard Training and First Aid are the bare minimum requirements. Some agencies require CPR for the Professional Rescuer prior to applying, and others will provide this instruction. First aid requirements can also be higher, such as Title 22 (in California), First Responder, or EMT. In all cases, a higher level of first aid than that required is desirable. The minimum age is typically 16, although sometimes 18.

Minimum qualifications must be met in order to apply for a job. Once you have submitted an application and it is determined that you meet minimum standards, you may be asked to participate in a lifeguard tryout. For USLA-certified agencies, this would include a minimum of a 500 meter swim in under 10 minutes, demonstration of some rescue, first aid, or CPR skills, and an interview. Many agencies have more rigorous testing than this, so check out the agency profiles, and if you have questions, don't hesitate to contact the person listed.

If you are hired at a USLA-certified agency, you will participate in a Lifeguard Academy that includes approximately 50 hours of training for the facilities you will guard. You will learn and practice skills specific to the site where you lifeguard, and complete additional first aid training. Throughout your employment, you can expect to receive regular skills practice through drills and rescue scenarios, as well as ample opportunities for physical training. Some agencies participate in lifeguard competitions as a part of training for skills and fitness, and many guards put in significant time outside of work to train.

If this sounds like a job you would like, find the best agency for you and apply! Some agencies have applications available online, or links to the Human Resources page of the hiring agency, so check the individual pages. In addition to open-water lifeguarding, each agency has its own special programs, including swim lessons, Junior Lifeguards, Swim Safe, and other educational programs that you can be involved in. We're here to answer your questions; just find the appropriate agency and call or email the contact listed. Good luck!

To Check out the USLA certified agencies in the NW Region click here.