City Of Phoenix: City Of Phoenix Offers $2,500 Incentive To Lifeguards

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

March 3, 2022 12:00 AM

The Parks and Recreation Department needs to hire hundreds of lifeguards ahead of the 2022 pool season to safely open as many of the city's 29 public pools as possible.​

“This is a serious job that's crucial to child safety. Lifeguards save the lives of hundreds of children and are also responsible for thousands of swim lessons every summer," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This incentive is an investment in child safety in the immediate and long term, likely saving lives directly and indirectly."

The $2,500 incentive pay reimburses individuals for the cost and time spent obtaining the lifeguard certification and, when combined with the base hourly rate of $14.02/hour, equates to an estimated hourly wage of $21.00/hour*. 

The incentive pay is also applicable to assistant pool managers and pool managers, positions that require a lifeguard certification. 

Hiring is in crunch time and certification classes have already begun and are available for registration at multiple locations through March. Lifeguards must complete the necessary training during the scheduled class times.

“As Chair of the City's Community & Cultural Investment Subcommittee, I want to thank our Parks & Recreation Department for taking proactive steps following our March meeting," said Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado. “Incorporating the committee's feedback surrounding incentive pay will help address staffing shortages and ensure Phoenix residents have access to City operated pools."

​​Benefits of being a lifeguard:

StarGuard Training for lifeguard certification is required to become a lifeguard with the City of Phoenix. Those interested in becoming a lifeguard should register for March certification class right away. Applicants must be at least 15-years-old. Apply to be a lifeguard for just $20.

*The estimated hourly wage is based on the $2,500 incentive divided by 360, the number of hours worked in a typical swim season, and added to the $14.02/hour base rate of pay.  

This press release was produced by City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.