Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors

Photos of people swimming.

Contact: cotlifeguard@tucsonaz.gov or 520-837-8119 for questions or more information.

Are you interested in becoming a City of Tucson lifeguard for summer 2026?

Here's what you need to know:

  • Pay starts at $16.75/hr.
  • Must be 15 at the time of application.
  • Must be able to commit to a full class schedule (24 hours total).
  • Must be available to work all of June and July (potential to work through the year)
  • Classes will start after January 2026.
  • Must pass Swim Test
    • 300-yard continuous approach stroke without tube (front crawl)
    • 50-yard approach stroke with a rescue tube
    • 2 minutes treading water using legs only (hands out of the water at the wrist)
    • 50-yard side stroke supporting a dummy
    • Retrieve a 10 lb. diving brick from ~12 feet, return it to the surface, and exit the pool without a ladder.

Please fill out the form below to be notified when the schedule for lifeguard classes and the application window opens. 

How to become a lifeguard for summer 2026

  • Step 1: Pass the swim test
  • Step 2: Take the lifeguard class
  • Step 3: Onboard with HR
  • Step 4: Attend a mandatory virtual meeting

There are five opportunities below to become a lifeguard. You must be able to attend all dates outlined for each class.

Class 1

Swim Test: Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

StarGuard Lifeguard Class dates: 
*Must first pass swim test

  • Thursday, Feb. 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way
  • Friday, Feb. 27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.
  • Saturday, Feb.28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, April 1, at 4 p.m. (Microsoft Teams Link will be sent to those who qualify)

Lifeguard Orientation: Tuesday, May 26

Class 2

Swim Test: Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

StarGuard Lifeguard Class dates (location TBD):
*Must first pass swim test

  • Friday, March 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way
  • Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.
  • Sunday, March 15, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, April 15, at 4 p.m. (Microsoft Teams Link will be sent to those who qualify)

Lifeguard Orientation: Tuesday, May 26



Class 3

Swim Test: Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

StarGuard Lifeguard Class dates (location TBD):
*Must first pass swim test

  • Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Parks and Recreation Administration, 900 S. Randolph Way (Mesquite Room)
  • Sunday, March 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.
  • Saturday, April 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, May 6, at 4 p.m. (Microsoft Teams Link will be sent to those who qualify)

Lifeguard Orientation: Tuesday, May 26



Class 4

Swim Test: Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

StarGuard Lifeguard Class dates (location TBD):
*Must first pass swim test

  • Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Parks and Recreation Administration, 900 S. Randolph Way (Mesquite Room)
  • Sunday, April 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.
  • Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (with break for lunch) at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. (Microsoft Teams Link will be sent to those who qualify)

Lifeguard Orientation: Tuesday, May 26




Class 5

Swim Test: Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalina Pool, 2005 N. Dodge Blvd.

StarGuard Lifeguard Class dates (location TBD):
*Must first pass swim test

  • Tuesday, April 7, 4-9:30 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Administration, 900 S. Randolph Way (Mesquite Room)
  • Thursday, April 9, 4-9:30 p.m. at Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
  • Tuesday, April 14, 4-9:30 p.m. at Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.
  • Thursday, April 16, 4-9:30 p.m. at Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. (Microsoft Teams Link will be sent to those who qualify)

Lifeguard Orientation: Tuesday, May 26





 

Swim Safety Instructor (SSI)

Interested in teaching swim lessons? The City of Tucson offers Swim Safety Instructor (SSI) certification as an internal advancement opportunity for our lifeguard staff.

All City of Tucson swim instructors are trained and certified through the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SSI). At this time, SSI certification is only available to current City of Tucson lifeguards.

For questions about training or employment, email cotlifeguard@tucsonaz.gov.

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