Lifeguard

Training Schedule

Many of the skills you'll acquire working as a Milwaukee County lifeguard will transfer to future positions. Good communication skills, working cooperatively with a diverse group of co-workers and patrons, and a responsible attitude are among the qualities you'll develop.

Working as a Lifeguard
Lifeguarding is an ideal job for anyone who wants to make good money while spending the summer outdoors.

As a lifeguard, you will deal with life-saving issues and be responsible for the safety and well-being of thousands of people on a daily basis. To do this, you must have good public relations skills and be able to work under pressure, keeping in mind that the public will look to you as a role model.

In addition to using your lifeguarding skills for work, you can also use them in athletic competition. Our local chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association hosts a lifeguarding competition each summer. Qualifiers have a chance to compete at the national level. Every lifeguard working for the Milwaukee County Park System may become a member of the United States Lifesaving Association.

Qualifications for Training
To begin training, you must be

• at least 16 years old at the time of your appointment
  
• a Milwaukee County resident
• in good physical condition
• able to swim 100 meters in less than 1 minute 45 seconds
  

The Lifeguard Training Program
This free program will help you develop or improve your lifeguarding skills. You will build your skills to swim 100 meters in 1 minute 45 seconds or less and to retrieve an object submerged 12 feet. You will carry a struggling victim 25 meters using front- and rear-approach cross-chest carries. You will also learn to release a front or rear head hold and convert to a cross-chest carry. Finally, you will learn to release a double wrist hold and convert to a cross-chest carry.

The Civil Service Performance Exam
When you have mastered all the skills presented in the Lifeguard Training Program, you will be well prepared for the Civil Service performance exam. You will want to do well on this exam, as you will be ranked and hired according to your score. Passing the exam does not guarantee employment

First Responder Course
In addition to passing the Civil Service performance exam, you will take a First Responder Course. With this 40-hour course, you will be prepared to perform CPR and other emergency first aid. Successful completion of this training is necessary for employment

Eligible List
Having passed the performance exam and First Responder Course, you will be ranked according to your Civil Service exam score, and your name will be placed on the eligible list. The Parks Department will hire from this list as lifeguard vacancies occur.

Work Schedule
As a lifeguard, you will work approximately 500 hours per season. The season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The department makes assignments to cover every day of the week. You will be scheduled to work 6- to 8-hour shifts, between 8am and 10pm.

Assignments
Based on your physical and lifesaving qualifications, the department will assign you to fill a vacancy at an aquatic park, outdoor pool, or indoor pool operated by the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.

Uniforms
The department furnishes you with shirts, a coat, rain jacket and whistle at no cost to you. You may purchase helmets, swim suits, trunks, sunglasses and whistle lanyards from the department.

2008 Wages
$9.66 to $10.88 per hour

For more information, call the Aquatics Office at (414) 257-8098.