Being a lifeguard along Chicago’s gorgeous lakefront or a neighborhood pool is a job unlike any other. You'll be part of one of the country's largest and best-trained lifeguard corps, gaining life-saving skills while making a difference in people's lives.
The application for the summer position is now closed.
Stay connected with us for future opportunities - the year-round lifeguard position will open later this summer, and the summer 2026 position will open in the fall. Complete the form below to be notified when these applications open.
Complete the Lifeguard Interest Form
There are 4 Steps to Apply
Apply online for the Lifeguard 2025 Summer Season position.
No previous experience is necessary!
You must be at least 16 years of age by July 1, 2025, and a resident of the City of Chicago to apply.
The application is now closed.
Take the Lifeguard Skills Test.
You'll select your test date when applying (step 1).
The final test was Saturday, May 31.
The Lifeguard Skills test includes:
- 200-yard timed swim
- 20-yard underwater swim
- Retrieve underwater object
After successfully completing the test, candidates areconditionally hired and assigned to an American Red Cross certification class (see step 3).
Complete the American Red Cross certification class.
Selecting your class session will be done after passing the Lifeguard Skills Test.
You'll receive a stipend in August for completing the class. Full certification - 40 hours ( 5 days) is $400, and recertification - 13 hours (1.5 days) is $100. Lifeguards must work for the Park District through the August 6th, 2025 paycheck to receive the stipend.
At the successful completion of the class, you'll receive your certification.
Complete employment forms & get fingerprinted.
Check your e-mail! After you apply you’ll receive updates on required forms, fingerprinting, and everything else you’ll need before your first day of work. See more on this in the FAQs below.
Once your paperwork and processing are complete, you are officially hired!
Summer location assignments will be made after March 1, 2025, to everyone who completed all steps, in the order they completed the process. Completing everything early helps you get an earlier choice of locations. Your first week will be 40 hours of paid training, which begins as early as mid-May 2025.
Additional Info & FAQ's
We offer the following opportunities to help you prepare for the Lifeguard Skills Test.
- Lifeguard Explorers (ages 15-22)
- Stipend Training Program
- Offered in Fall, Winter and Spring
LEARN MORE/REGISTER
- Learn to Swim Classes
- Offered for Youth, Teens, Adults & Seniors
LEARN MORE/REGISTER
Winter registration begins December 9 & 10, 2024. Learn more.
- Offered for Youth, Teens, Adults & Seniors
- TEAM Sports
This program includes Swim Team, Water Polo and Junior Lifeguarding. Participants learn or improve their four competitive strokes, learn skills and game techniques for water polo, and how to use rescue equipment and perform rescue techniques.
LEARN MORE/REGISTER
- Lap Swim
Lap swim sessions are offered at most pools. Need swimming advice? Attend lap swim and ask a lifeguard for assistance. We're happy to help get you ready for the test!
A lap swim membership is required. Membership fees are waived for Lifeguard applicants. Inquire with the lifeguard at Lap Swim.
view lap swim info
- ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ & Chicago Public Schools Learn to Swim programs
The ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Learn to Swim Program can be offered at Chicago Public School High Schools, during the school day.
If you're interested in having this class at your school, please Inquire with your school principal.
1. What are the time requirements for the Lifeguard Skills Test?
- 200-yard swim in less than 3 min., 30 sec. (4 min., 30 sec. for Shallow Water Attendants)
- 20-yard underwater swim
- Retrieval of a 10-pound object from a depth of 10-14 feet
2. How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?
Applicants for the summer 2025 lifeguard positions must be 16 years old by July 1, 2025.
3. Do you have to live in Chicago?
Yes, you must be a Chicago resident to work for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. You do not have to be a resident to apply, but you must be a resident at the time of hire.
4. What is the rate of pay?
The 2025 pay rate is $19.75 an hour.
5. When do I get paid for taking my American Red Cross certification or recertification class?
Stipends for taking these classes will be sent only to candidates who work for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in summer of 2025 through the August 6th payroll date. If you do not accept a job with the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ and work the required days, no stipend will be given for completing this class.
6. What forms do I need to complete?
- W4 tax form
- Direct Deposit form
- Proof of residency form
- I-9 form
This form confirms that you’re legally able to work in the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. Must be completed & signed in person with Park District staff present.
7. Will I be fingerprinted?
Yes. Fingerprinting takes place at the lifeguard swim test, and requires an ID.
8. When is the Lifeguard Skills Test offered?
The LIfeguard Skills Test is offered on the following dates, all on Saturday, beginning at 9 am. You'll select your test day when completing the Lifeguard application online.
- November 16 – Whitney Young High School, 211 S Laflin St.
- December 21 – Whitney Young High School
- February 1 – Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St.
- March 1 - Whitney Young High School
- March 22 - Whitney Young High School
- April 12 – Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
- May 3 - Whitney Young High School
- May 17 - Whitney Young High School
- May 31 - Whitney Young High School
9. When are the American Red Cross certification classes offered?
The dates and locations for the American Red Cross Certification classes are listed below. You will select your training after passing the Lifeguard Skills Test.
- Training for New Lifeguards
For people who haven't worked for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in the last two years and/or do not have a valid American Red Cross Certification.
Trainings are 40 hours and require attendance each day.- November 17 & 24, and December 1, 8, & 15
9 am - 5 pm
at Foster (1440 W. 84th St.), McGuane (2901 S. Poplar Ave.) or Welles (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Parks - December 26 – 28 and January 2 & 3
9 am - 5 pm
at Harris (6200 S. Drexel Ave.), Portage (4100 N. Long Ave.) or Stanton (618 W. Scott St.) Parks - February 4 – 8, 11 - 14
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
at Don Nash Comm. Center (1833 E. 71st Street) - February 11 – 15, 18 - 22
5 pm – 9 pm weekdays, 12 pm - 4 pm Saturdays
at Ridge Park (9625 S. Longwood) - February 17 - 21, 24 – 28
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays only
at Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield) - February 19 – March 22
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Wednesdays & Fridays Only
at Gill Park (833 W. Sheridan) - March 4 - 8, 11 - 15
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am - 1 pm Saturdays
at Ping Tom Park (1700 S. Wentworth) - March 11 – 14, 18 - 22
3:45 pm - 7:45 pm weekdays, 9 am-5 pm Saturday
at Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Avenue) - March 11 - 15, 18 - 22
4:30 pm - 8:30 pm weekdays, 12 pm - 4 pm Saturdays
at West Pullman Park (401 W. 123rd Street) - March 17 – 21, 24 - 28
5 pm-9 pm weekdays only
at Shabbona Park (6935 W. Addison Street) - March 24 – 28 (CPS Spring Break)
9 am – 5:30 pm weekdays only
at Portage Park (4100 N. Long), Homan Square Park (3517 W. Arthington), Foster Park (1440 W. 84th Street) or Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Avenue) - April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 18
9 am – 5 pm Sundays only
at LaFollette Park (1333 N. Laramie Ave), Shabbona Park (6935 W. Addison Street), Ridge Park (9625 S. Longwood), or Gill Park (833 W. Sheridan) - April 21 - 25 (Private School Spring Break)
9 am - 5:30 pm weekdays
at Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen), or Hayes Park (2936 W. 85th Street) - April 22 – 26, 29 - May 2
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm Saturday
Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood), or Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside ) - April 22 – 26, 29 – May 3
4:30 pm-7:30 pm weekdays, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Saturdays
Mann Park (3035 E 130th Street) - May 5 - 9, 12 - 16
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays only
Kosciuszko Park (2732 N. Avers) - May 6 - 10, 13 – 16
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
McGuane Park (2901 S. Poplar) - May 20 – 24, 27 - 30
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen) - June 2 - 7, 9 - 12
4 pm -8 pm weekdays, 12 pm – 4 pm Saturday
Stanton Park (618 W. Scott Street)
- November 17 & 24, and December 1, 8, & 15
- Training for Returning Lifeguards
For lifeguards who have worked for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ and still have a valid Red Cross Certification.
Trainings start Saturday at noon and go until 5 pm, then resume Sunday 9 am - 5 pm. You must have a valid certification and attend the entire class to be renewed.- November 16 & 17 – Whitney Young High School, 211 S Laflin St.
- December 21 & 22 – Whitney Young High School
- February 1 & 2 – Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St.
- March 1 & 2 – Whitney Young High School
- March 22 & 23 – Whitney Young High School
- April 12 & 13 – Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
- May 3 & 4 – Whitney Young High School
- May 17 & 18 – Whitney Young High School
- May 31 & June 1 – Whitney Young High School
10. Why are some American Red Class Classes meeting more days than others?
American Red Cross Classes are measured in hours, rather than days, and also vary based on whether they are for a new certification or a renewal. For example, a renewal for someone who has worked for The ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ before is 16 hours, so it is usually done over 2 days. However, if the class meets on school days, it could be done in 4-hour blocks, and thus take 4 days. A new certification is about 40 hours, so it could range anywhere from 5-10 days based on the hours of the classes each day.
For questions, email lifeguards@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
More than a job.
The ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ is home to pools and beaches along 26 miles of beautiful lakefront. These destinations are jewels in the crown of our incredible city, offering recreation opportunities – to residents and tourists of all ages. They are the backdrops of valuable life experiences – where we learn to swim, find relief from the sweltering summer heat or simply go to have fun.
On duty at our beaches and pools are Chicago lifeguards. Being a Chicago lifeguard is more than a job – it’s a meaningful and fulfilling path to any career one might aspire to. .
Who we are.
We are students building valuable skills for future careers. Aquatics and recreation professionals growing the next generation of swimmers. Teachers on summer break. Retirees looking to give back to their community. We are heroes who save lives.
¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ lifeguards come from all walks of life–different neighborhoods, ages, interests, and professional backgrounds. What we share is a love for the water and a calling to serve.
What we do.
Our first and most important job as lifeguards is to keep swimmers safe. This means we guard beaches and pools to protect swimmers from accidents and drowning, and we respond to emergency situations in accordance with established methods and protocols.
We also lead and assist in instructing recreational activities for our aquatic programs like swimming lessons, hydro-aerobics, water polo and swim team.
Why we do it.
Kids having fun in their local pool on a hot summer day. Families enjoying a picnic at the beach. Friends maintaining their fitness in a hydro-aerobics class. Chicago’s pools and beaches are the backdrops for special moments that make lifelong memories–and lifeguards make these moments possible.
As lifeguards, we believe in becoming better people and giving back to our communities. We take pride in knowing that our jobs make a difference in the lives of all Chicagoans. Having fun and working in a supportive environment makes the job that much better.
Interested in other positions in the Parks?
For questions about the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ’s Lifeguard Hiring and Training process, please contact the
¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ Aquatics office at (312) 742-7801.