The City of Independence is seeking seasonal Lifeguards to work under the city's Parks & Recreation Department from Monday, May 18, 2026 – Monday, September 7, 2026. The City of Independence Recreation Department is committed to excellence in programming, facilities, and service while improving the quality of life within our community.

The primary responsibility of City of Independence Lifeguards is to ensure the safety of our residents and their guests first through preventative strategies and water safety education. It is essential that Lifeguards also take action as the first responder to incidents and emergencies within our aquatic facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recognize and respond quickly and effectively as the first responder.
Routinely engage with the public during active surveillance to enforce all aquatic facility rules.
Inspect the facility on a daily basis including testing the pool water every 4 hours and reporting any unsafe conditions promptly.
Participate in all Lifeguard In-service training sessions.
Participate in unannounced emergency response scenarios.
Maintain a fitness level equivalent to American Red Cross Lifeguard performance criteria.
Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor

Necessary Competencies:

Accountability
Coaches and Resolves Conflict
Communication
Customer Service Focus
Leadership
Ability to Manage Change / Adaptability
Planning and Execution
Problem Solving
Prioritizing
Multi-tasking
Strategic Planning
Teamwork

Requirements:

Lifeguard Certification or proficient swimmer with the ability to become Lifeguard certified.
Must pass a drug test and background check.
Minors will need a parental approval form completed by their guardian.

Additionally, if you're a minor, please refer to the State of Ohio Department of Commerce website regarding your student working paper requirements, if applicable:

https://com.ohio.gov/about-us/media-center/news/securing-your-summer-job-what-ohio-teens-should-know-about-minor-work-permits

Selected candidates must participate in an on-boarding event on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the City of Independence Campus. Information on this event will be issued to selected candidates later in the spring.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, walk, and move in and around a pool deck for extended periods of time.
Ability to enter, exit, and work safely in a swimming pool, at any time while on duty.
Maintain vigilance and fast reaction times.
Reach, lift, and carry rescue equipment and possibly assist injured patrons.
Tolerance for exposure to warm, humid, and chlorinated pool environments for extended periods.
Ability to physically stand, bend, squat and lift up to 50lbs.

Must be able to work indoors and outdoors under typical Ohio Weather conditions.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary Information:

The pay range for lifeguards is $13.00 - $18.00/per hour.
The pay range for lifeguards with WSI Certification is $14.00 - $19.00/per hour.
This role is subject to yearly pay increases.
Staff receive paid training for recertification and some advancement opportunities, including:

Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)

There are also shift bonuses issued for Holiday and Weekend shifts.

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The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This position is an "at will" position and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.

https://www.independenceohio.org/departments/recreation/aquatics.php

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Lifeguard {Seasonal} (Job ID: 13-2026-02)