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





 

Water Safety Instructor (WSI)

You must have WSI certification to teach swim lessons. Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid Basics certifications are required. Certification is earned through Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is blended learning that includes an online course as well as an in-water practicum.

Classes are offered starting in the spring. Enrollment into the StarFish program through the City of Tucson pool supervisors. Interested staff must contact the cotlifeguard@tucsonaz.gov to request training.

Trainees must be 16 years old before the first class. Stroke and swim skills are tested in the first and second classes. Trainees should be proficient in the following strokes:

  • Front Crawl
  • Back Crawl
  • Breaststroke
  • Sidestroke
  • Elementary Backstroke
  • Basic knowledge of Butterfly is also helpful.

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

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