Lifeguard

City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!

• Eligible employees who remain employed through August 16, 2026 and work 240 hours or more during the season will receive a $400 retention bonus, paid on their final paycheck. Part-time Lifeguards who work fewer than 240 hours during the same period will be eligible for a $200 retention bonus. Hours worked will be tracked and verified by the North Beach Supervisor.
• Lifeguard Certification Reimbursement Available.

The City of Racine, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department (PRCS) is a division of the City of Racine government. We manage parks and beaches totaling over 1,100 acres, five community centers, and many other facilities, providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities. It is our mission to preserve our parks and open spaces and provide essential recreational programs and cultural services in a safe, professional, and friendly manner.

Under the direction of the Recreational Specialist:
Lifeguard manager or designee, the position is responsible for the safety, security, and well-being of the public within established Protected Areas during posted times at North and Zoo Beaches located along the City of Racine’s Lake Michigan Shoreline.

• Monitors and supervise swimming activities at assigned beach Protected Areas
• Maintains a safe swimming environment to protect swimming participants through enforcing beach rules and taking proactive actions to prevent water or first aid emergencies within the assigned beach Protected Areas.
• Perform any emergency safety procedures in or out of the water, as necessary.
• Respond to any emergency as necessary in or out of the water in the Unprotected Areas or surrounding Park Areas.
• Communicate with the public in a friendly and professional manner in all interactions.
• Use “Proactive Lifeguarding” interactions with the public as an opportunity to provide open water safety education or awareness.
• Work cooperatively with supervisors and fellow lifeguards.
• Help maintain equipment in proper working order.
• Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.
• Attend all Lifeguard training sessions.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Adhere and follow all the contents in the North Beach Lifeguard Policies and Procedures Guidelines Book.

• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions include extreme heat, extreme cold, wind, and rain.
• Exposure to open water with variable conditions including large waves, strong currents, and extreme cold.

• Possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Completion of Sophomore year of High School.
• 16 years of age.

Preference will be given to high school graduates and college students.

• Possession of a Lifeguard Certificate in good standing by the first day you are scheduled to work as a lifeguard. Preferably by June 1st, 2026.
• Successful completion of the North Beach Water Test (In the case there are more applicants than openings the top scoring applicants will move forward to the next phase. All others will be placed on a waiting list.)
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions with minimum direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, and exercise good judgement, courtesy and tact when dealing with the general public.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm, efficient and responsible manner.
• Be in good physical condition.
• Ability to operate City vehicles in a safe defensive driving posture.
• Must be able to swim 200 yards without stopping using either the front crawl or breaststroke or a combination of the two.
• Must be able to dive to a minimum depth of 12ft under water and swim forward at depth for a minimum of 20ft.

Duties involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as swimming for long distances in rough waters, strong currents, walking/running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, leaping, jumping down, standing in place or continual walking, lifting and carrying of moderate to heavy items…