CitiParks Seeking Lifeguards for Pittsburgh City Pools This Summer

CitiParks is launching its recruitment efforts for lifeguards for the upcoming summer pool season.

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CitiParks Aquatics recruits, trains, and certifies lifeguards for Pittsburgh for the summer. However, onboarding an adequate number of lifeguards for the city’s outdoor pools has been challenging since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city has steadily increased the number of pools opened each year - eight opened in 2021, 12 in 2022, and 15 in both 2023 and 2024. Whether the city will be able to keep pace with the number of new pools opening will depend on how many lifeguards it can recruit.

Lifeguard duties vary from staffing normal operating hours of pools to working as head or regional guards. Employees will have the opportunity to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics, which could lead to other city employment opportunities. 

Lifeguards must be Pittsburgh residents, at least 15 years of age, and willing to work at any CitiParks outdoor pool. Those who are interested - whether a new candidate or a returning guard - should fill out the 2025 Lifeguard Interest Form and CitiParks Aquatics will contact them.

“We continue to work hard to garner increased interest in recruiting CitiParks lifeguards,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas. “We are encouraged by the enthusiasm our returning guards show each year, and we work hard to promote that with all incoming guards.”

Vargas said she believed that higher wages - which will range from $17.48 to $20.16 per hour, based on experience - in 2025 would help to draw new recruits.

For more information, visit the CitiParks Lifeguard page.