LA County Parks Has Increased Its Hourly Wage For Lifeguards
Pool Lifeguards can earn up to $25.87 an hour and Lake Lifeguards up to $30.50 an hour, scoring the highest paid Lifeguard hourly wage in the region
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 14, 2024) — In efforts to actively seek and recruit diverse candidates interested in becoming County Lifeguards, LA County Parks proudly announces an increase of its hourly wage for its Pool and Lake Lifeguards. Hourly wages range from $23.87-$25.87 for Pool Lifeguards and $28.89-$30.50 for Lake Lifeguards following completion of the certification academy.
“Thanks to the leadership of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ motion and support for an ‘all-hands on deck approach’ to hire 500 pool lifeguards for LA County’s Parks summer swim season, we have made our salaries competitive, lowered age and swim test requirements and streamlined the hiring processes,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of LA County Parks. “Since October 2023, we launched an unprecedented aggressive recruitment and outreach efforts at over 267 high schools and community colleges and 176 community events countywide. Our goal is to ensure that all youth 16 years old and above have the opportunity to become lifeguards, providing them with a pathway to earn competitive wages and embark on a promising career within the County. Our commitment is to hire diverse youth and foster an inclusive, safe and fun summer pool season.”
From now through May 18, LA County Parks will conduct Lifeguard swim tests to identify qualified candidates. To be eligible for a position as a pool or lake lifeguard, candidates must apply online and participate in one of the scheduled swim tests. The dates and locations vary across aquatic centers and lakes.
Pool Lifeguard Requirements:
To participate, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Swim 300 yards in 6 minutes and 30 seconds or less
- Be at least 16 at the time of the swim exam
- Have at least 20/30 in each eye with correction
- Have at least a 20/200 with both eyes open without correction.
Pool Lifeguard Swim Test Dates and Locations:
The pool lifeguard swim tests will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on the following dates and locations:
- February 17: Ted Watkins Pool, 1335 E. 103rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90002
- February 24: Castaic Aquatic Center, 31350 Castaic Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
- March 9: San Fernando Pool, 300 Park Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340
- March 16: Belvedere Aquatic Center, 5035 1st St, East Los Angeles, CA 90022
- March 16: Castaic Aquatic Center, 31350 Castaic Rd, Castaic, CA 91384
- March 23: Greater Whittier Regional Aquatic Center, 8028 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606
Interested candidates may learn more at parks.lacounty.gov/lifeguard-recruitment.
Lake Lifeguard Requirements:
To participate, individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Swim 1,000 meters in 18 minutes or less
- Be at least 16 at the time of the swim exam
- Have at least 20/30 in each eye, without correction
- Have a valid California Class “C” driver’s license
Lake Lifeguard Swim Test Dates & Locations:
Interested candidates may learn more at parks.lacounty.gov/lifeguard-recruitment.
To prepare the next generation of lifeguards, LA County Parks will also continue its free Lifeguard Ready Training Program targeting youth ages 16-24 focused on fundamental skills necessary to become an LA County Pool or Lake Lifeguard. For more information on The Lifeguard Ready Training Program, including locations, session dates, and registration please visit parks.lacounty.gov/lrt/.
