Phoenix Offers $2,500 Incentive For Lifeguard Jobs

PHOENIX, AZ — Lifeguards who work for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department this summer could make $2,500 in incentive pay — if they get certified and work until the end of the 2022 season, according to a news release.

The city is looking to hire hundreds of lifeguards to safely staff as many of the city's 29 pools as possible ahead of this year's pool season.

Lifeguards who qualify will receive an extra $500 on their first paycheck, and are promised to receive another $2,000 payment at the end of the 2022 swim season, as long as they are in good standing.

Current employees who refer a person who gets certified and becomes a lifeguard for the city can get a $100 payment.

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

The hourly base pay for Phoenix lifeguards is $14.02 per hour.

The city's incentive pay is also available to assistant pool managers and pool managers, both positions that also require a lifeguard certification.

“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,” Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado said in the release. “Incorporating the committee’s feedback surrounding incentive pay will help address staffing shortages and ensure Phoenix residents have access to City operated pools.”

StarGuard Training certification classes have already started, and are required to become a lifeguard for the city, but you can still sign up throughout March.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old.