Temporary Lifeguard

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

You are service‑minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence.
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions.
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment.
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community.
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service.

The Lifeguard plays a key role in promoting safety and positive experiences at City of Alexandria pools. Lifeguards monitor swimmers, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies, creating a welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages. This seasonal position is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking their first job or looking to build professional experience in a team‑focused setting.

Lifeguards are assigned to indoor and outdoor pool facilities throughout the city. Shifts are available during mornings, daytime, evenings, and weekends. Positions are available for summer or year‑round. In this position, you’ll work as part of a supportive team to:

• Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in and around the pool.
• Prevent and respond to emergencies, including water rescues and first aid.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with the public and fellow staff.
• Assist with pool setup, cleanliness, and daily operations.

This role also supports swim meets, special events, and other recreation activities as assigned.

As a Lifeguard, you help create a safe space where swimmers can build confidence, improve their health, learn lifelong skills, and make lasting memories. In the process, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in leadership, teamwork, and public safety, and emergency medical response—skills that serve you well in any future path.

Successful candidates demonstrate responsibility, good judgment, and a commitment to safety. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Candidates with and without current Lifeguard certification are encouraged to apply. Paid training and American Red Cross certification are provided for successful applicants who meet the required prerequisite swimming skills:

• Prerequisite 1:
  Complete a swim‑tread‑swim sequence without stopping to rest:
  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Prerequisite 2:
  Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 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 – 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

• CPR/AED first aid training certification.
• Lifeguard or similar water rescue certification.

• Must be at least 15 years of age by the start of employment.
• Ability to…