Interested in working for Boulder as a lifeguard, but don’t have your certification yet? No problem! Here are the steps to “Be a Fun Maker” as a BPR lifeguard:
- Apply online
- We’ll contact you to schedule a time to complete a swim test.
- If you pass the swim test, we’ll sign you up for the lifeguard training class, which will be FREE.
- Complete an online course and the three-day in-person class.
- You’re now a lifeguard!
Lifeguard classes are currently being offered to City of Boulder applicants only.
Not sure if you’ll pass the swim test? No problem! We still want you as an outdoor pool water slide attendant. You can keep swimmers safe on the slides and attend monthly lifeguard in-service trainings to hone your skills, if you want to pursue being a lifeguard. You can also transition to other great parks and rec positions in the future.
A link will be posted here when the position is posted.
Lifeguard Class Description
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. Participants must attend all listed class dates, complete online that takes 7.5 hrs. at home, pass the written and hands on skills in order to receive certification.
Prerequisites must be completed on the first day to continue the course:
- Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course
- Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits or above the head.
- Complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.