Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding

Interested in becoming a lifeguard at one of the City of Boise’s four outdoor City pools - Borah, Fairmont, Ivywild or the Natatorium? Register now to get certified. Classes fill up quickly.

Classes for the 2024 Lifeguard Certification are full. Please check back in December for 2025 classes.

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.

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

Class #1:

January 25 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
January 26 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
January 27 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
January 28 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Class #2:

April 4 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
April 5 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
April 6 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
April 7 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Class #3:

May 2 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
May 3 - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
May 4 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May 5 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

Lifeguard Gear Store

female lifeguard at a swimming pool

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.

Aquatics Employment Opportunities

City of Boise Aquatics Job Postings are live for Summer 2024. Please register for a lifeguard class if you need to get certified. You can apply before you are certified.

Lifeguard positions have been filled for the 2024 season. Please check back in January for 2025 job postings.

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

© 2024 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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