Lifeguard Application
Information for First Year Lifeguard Applicants
◦ More than 45-50 Lifeguards will be hired to work at both John Sevier Pool (Maryville) and Springbrook Pool (Alcoa). All Lifeguards work at both pools on a rotating schedule. You do not have to be currently certified to apply, however, you must obtain certification prior to the pools opening. The
reason such a large number of Lifeguards are needed for only 2 pools is because they not only work when the pool is open to the public during regular operating hours, they also work morning and evening hours the pool is not open to the general public when many other activities are scheduled. These include early morning clean up, swim lessons, swim team practices, Blount County Schools Day Care pool time, Aqua Aerobics classes and evening private party rentals.
◦ You must be age 15 or older to obtain Lifeguard Certification. Each applicant must complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course which includes Lifeguarding, First Aid, and Professional Rescuer CPR/AED. Proof of this certification will be required before you are scheduled to work. The Lifeguard Certification is good for a period of 2 years. Parks & Rec will be conducting Lifeguard Certification Courses in the Spring at a reduced cost for those who will be working for Parks & Rec.
◦ The certification process begins with the completion of a Red Cross online course. After you pay the fee to Parks & Rec you will be given instructions to access the online course. When you have completed and passed the online portion you will be able to print a certificate of completion. This certificate allows you to continue in the certification process. There will be one classroom session held at Parks & Rec and several hours training in a pool you must attend to complete your certification.
◦ The offer of employment is contingent upon becoming certified and you will be required to attend an orientation session for new Lifeguards and an in-pool skills assessment conducted by the Parks & Rec Aquatics Staff. You will be notified of the times and dates of these sessions and you will be paid for time spent in this training. The payment will be added to your first paycheck after the pools opens in May. If you attend these sessions and then decide not to work for Parks & Rec, you will not be paid for your time.
◦ The rate of pay for a first-year Lifeguards is $10.50 per hour. Paychecks are issued every two weeks on Fridays. Off-duty Lifeguards receive free admission to both pools. This does not include additional family members.
◦ Parks & Rec pays 1/2 the cost of Lifeguard suits. Additional suits can be purchased at full cost. A Lifeguard shirt and whistle are provided free-of-charge. The average full cost of a suit last year was $48 for women and $28 for men.
◦ First-year Lifeguards who end the season in good standing are automatically invited back to work for Parks & Rec the following year. Lifeguards returning for a second year are given a pay raise and early application privileges before it is determined how many new Lifeguards can be hired each year.
