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 now 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.

female lifeguard at a swimming pool

These classes are for current and future City of Boise employees only.

Class #1:

February 6 - 5:30-9 p.m.
February 7 - 5:30-9 p.m.
February 8 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
February 9 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Class #2*

March 20 - 6-9 p.m.
March 21 - 6-9 p.m.
March 22 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 23 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Class #3:

April 3 - 5:30-9 p.m.
April 4 - 5:30-9 p.m.
April 5 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 6 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

*Class #4:

April 24 - 6-9 p.m.
April 25 - 6-9 p.m.
April 26 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 27 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sign Up For class #1 and #3 Lifeguard Class

*Registration for class #2 and #4 will be through BSU and those classes will be instructed by BSU. Follow this LINK to register for class #2 or #4.


All classes will be held at the Boise State University Recreation Center.

Lifeguard Gear Store

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 are now open and applications are being accepted. 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.

Apply Here

Scholarship Information

Boise Parks and Recreation Department offers scholarships for activities and programs, based on the financial needs of the participant. 

Scholarship Information & How to Apply

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