Milwaukee County Parks system recruiting lifeguards to open more pools this summer

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Milwaukee County Parks wants to add lifeguards to its outdoor pool season roster.

"Something that I like a lot is being outdoors. You get a sick tan," lifeguard Lance Zaug said.

To train and certify lifeguards, the parks system is holding free in-water classes at Pulaski Pool at 2701 S 16th Street. No experience is necessary. Candidates must be at least 16 years old by July 2022 and able to swim 100 meters in less than 1 minute and 45 seconds.

"As long as you're putting in some effort, we will help you get there," Zaug said.

The need is great as last year only four of the nine outdoor pools opened for the season due to a lack of staff.

"Until we have that staffing, we can't commit to opening facilities," Assistant Director of Recreation and Business Services for Milwaukee County Parks Andrea Wallace said.

They are not just hiring poolside positions, each summer between 500-900 positions are needed to help manage services on over 14,000 acres of parkland.

"We need admissions workers. We need park workers to mow lawns and pick up trash within our park system. We need concessions works, marina workers, park rangers," Wallace said.

Lifeguard pay starts at $16.47 an hour. Along with a refer a friend program worth $100, returning employee bonus option worth $200, and additional bonus potential of up to $800 for a full season of service.

All lifeguards are required to complete their training and testing through the Parks with a four-part program. The Parks Dept. does not accept outside certifications, such as those by the Red Cross or YMCA.

Registration is now open for the next session that will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday at Pulaski Pool from April 4 to 20 with the test at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 22. To register, click here.

Milwaukee County Parks is also hosting a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the Kosciuszko Community Center on Milwaukee's south side.