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Phila > Parks & Recreation > Get Involved > How to Become a Lifeguard

How to Become a Lifeguard
Any candidate can attend any one of the screenings. Once the screening is passed, the candidate may move on to Lifeguard and CPR Training.

Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard

  1.  Lifeguard candidate attends a screening. (No appointment necessary.)
  2. After candidate passes the screening, staff on site will enroll the candidate in Lifeguard Training Classes.
  3. Candidate begins required 21 hours of Lifeguard Training Classes.
  4. Candidate seeks out position at one of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation pools.
  5. Candidate completes 21 hours of Lifeguard Training Classes.
  6. Lifeguard begins work at pool where he/she has applied and has been accepted.

Lifeguard Screening Dates & Times

  • Sayre Morris Pool, 59th and Spruce Streets
    Monday, Wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm
  • Lincoln Pool, Rowland and Shelmire Streets
    Fridays 7:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Pickett Pool, Wayne and Chelten Avenue
    Monday - Friday 7:00pm-8:00pm
  • Hartranft Pool, 9th and Cumberland Streets
    Monday through Friday 5-7 p.m. (Remedial swim only, no screenings)

CPR Classes

Lifeguard CPR classes cost is $45 if the candidate needs to purchase a mask and $35 if the candidate already has a mask. Candidates must pre-register.

  • March 16th 9:30 am at Carousel House
  • March 23rd 9:30 am at Cione Playground
  • April 13th 9:30 am at Carousel House
  • April 27th 9:30 am at Scanlon Ice Rink


For more information, or to register, call the Aquatics office at (215) 683-3663 or email Lisa Whittle.

What's in a Lifeguard Screening?

  • Swimming 12 lengths of the pool continuously using both freestyle and breaststroke
  • Retrieval of a 10-pound brick from a deep (12 feet) well. The candidate must return to the surface and swim 20 yards using only his/her feet. The brick must be out of the water with both hands and it has to be done within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
  • Tread water using only your hands for two minutes.
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