Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation maintains and operates nine state-of-the-art seasonal and year-round aquatic facilities providing innovative programs, swim lessons, and recreational activities. Whether preventing injuries, administering first aid, or evaluating swimming conditions, our trained lifeguards ensure the safety of those who visit our pools.

What do lifeguards do?

Lifeguards monitor swimming areas and enforce safety rules. They receive extensive training and can rescue swimmers who are injured, sick, or in distress.

To become a lifeguard in Gwinnett County, you must be aged 16 or older and must become lifeguard, first aid, and CPR/AED certified.
 
Take the following steps to be considered for an interview. If you’re already certified, skip to step three:

STEP 1: Complete the prerequisites:
Please note, applicants must be ages 15 or older to complete prerequisites.

• Contact a year-round aquatic center
• Schedule an appointment
• Complete the Lifeguard Training Prerequisite In-Water Skills Test

• Staff will assist in helping applicants find and enroll in an online American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course at one of our training locations.
• Complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course.

• Visit GwinnettCountyJobs.com
• Select the desired position
• Submit the online application.

Learn basic skills and train to be a lifeguard or a lifeguard instructor in Gwinnett:

Lifeguard Training
This course is designed for individuals ages 15 and older to provide the necessary skills to work at Gwinnett’s aquatic centers and seasonal pools. This course is a prerequisite for Lifeguard I and II positions.

Water Safety Instructor
This course is designed to certify individuals ages 16 and older to teach swim lessons and water safety.

Lifeguard Training Instructor
This course is designed to certify individuals ages 16 and older to teach lifeguard training courses. Participants must have a current Lifeguard Training Certificate from the American Red Cross, Ellis & Associates, or the YMCA.

Prime Time Lifeguarding
This free course is designed for active adults ages 50 and older to learn lifesaving skills and increase their fitness levels. Each class includes classroom time, water practice, first aid and CPR/AED skills training, and a bonus fitness component to prepare for certification prerequisites and exit skills. This course offers American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.

Junior Lifeguarding
This course is designed for youth ages 11 to 14 to build a foundation of skills, techniques, and stamina needed to become a lifeguard. This course does not certify participants in first aid, CPR, or AED, and it does not certify participants as lifeguards.

Want to become a lifeguard in Gwinnett County? Review the hiring process and apply for a position below:

Lifeguard I or II
In this position, lifeguards are responsible for monitoring swimmers, enforcing safety rules, assisting distressed swimmers, and performing water rescues, if necessary. Must have valid and current Lifeguard Training certification by date of hire.

Aquatic Specialist
In this position, specialists are responsible for teaching lifeguard and/or water safety training courses. Must have valid and current Water Safety or Lifeguard Instructor certification by date of hire.