Upcoming Lifeguard Trainings

Interested in working for Boulder as a lifeguard? Maybe you’ve played at one of our pools and you’re thinking “How can I get a job as a lifeguard in Parks and Recreation?” Now is the time! We want you to join our aquatics team as a Lifeguard.

• Lifeguard applications for the 2025 summer season are closed.

Need to get certified? Upcoming class info + registration Current lifeguard training classes are full. We do not anticipate offering more until the fall.

We’re also hiring swim instructors (apply here). Swim team experience is preferred and we offer in-house training.

Receive a blend of online learning with in-person classroom learning with hands-on practice as you train to become a lifeguard. Course elements include water and land rescue skills, first aid for injuries and sudden illnesses, spinal injury management, swimmer and facility surveillance and CPR/AED and emergency care. This course includes a certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, which is valid for 2 years.

Prior to attending the classes, participants must be able to complete a 6-hour online course at home, and pass the written and hands-on skills in order to receive the certification.

To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. To participate in the course, you must be able to pass a prerequisite swimming skills evaluation, which includes two parts and takes place prior to or during the first in-person session.

Prerequisite 1: Jump in, submerge, resurface and swim 150 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, and then swim 50 more yards. While swimming, you must keep your face in the water and demonstrate good breath control. You may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed. When treading, you must use only your legs.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface. Swimming the distance underwater is not permitted. Exit the water without using a ladder or the steps.