Lifeguard classes for the 2026 Season for current and future City of Boise Employees, will open for registration, Monday, December 1 for Boise residents and Wednesday, December 3 for non-residents.
Lifeguarding
Lifeguarding
Interested in becoming a lifeguard at one of the City of Boise’s four outdoor pools - Borah, Fairmont, Ivywild or the Natatorium? Register begins in December to get certified. Classes fill up quickly.
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.
To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session.
The Lifeguard classes listed below are for current and future City of Boise employees only!
*These classes will be instructed by the City of Boise Aquatics Team and held at Boise State University. Registration information will be coming soon.
Lifeguard Course #1* | Lifeguard Course #2* |
Thursday, Jan 29 – 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Jan 30 – 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan 31 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb 1 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thursday, April 9 – 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, April 10 – 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 11 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 12 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. |
The Lifeguard Recertification Courses below are for future City of Boise employees only. Please reach out to Marcie Hernandez via email or call 208-608-7685 if you are interested in registering for a Lifeguard Recertification course.
Lifeguard Recertification Course #1* | Lifeguard Recertification Course #2* |
Friday, Jan 30 – 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan 31 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb 1 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Friday, April 10 – 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 11 – 9 a.m-3 p.m. Sunday, April 12 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. |
Additional Lifeguard Course Options:
Please see the information below for other Lifeguard Course and Lifeguard Recertification Course options. These classes are not reserved for City of Boise future employees only and anyone interested can enroll.
Follow this LINK to view BSU's Lifeguard and Recertification Courses that are taught at BSU and instructed by BSU.
Lifeguard Course Prerequisites:
On the first day, each participant will need to successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:
Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
- Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Pools & Aquatics Employment Opportunities
Job postings for Pools & Aquatics open mid-January. Applications will be accepted then. Positions fill quickly, so be sure to apply and share with friends and family.
Click on the link below to learn more about opportunities in Pools & Aquatics.
Scholarship Information
Boise Parks and Recreation Department offers scholarships for activities and programs, based on the financial needs of the participant.