Aquatics Certifications and Employment

Step 1.Get Certified

Lifeguarding requires proven skills to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The City of Mesa offers Lifeguard Certification through StarGuard Elite.

For those interested in teaching swim lessons, you will also need to pass the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor class. The Water Safety Instructor class emphasizes proper methods of teaching swimming skills to all ages and levels and is approximately 36 hours.

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Training class, you will be a Waterpark Lifeguard and are certified in First CPR/AED and First Aid. Certification valid for one year. This certification is valid nationwide.

Step 2.Apply To Be A Lifeguard or Swim Lesson Instructor (SLI)

Once you have signed up for a certification course, apply for a job as a lifeguard with the City of Mesa. Applications may be submitted before training courses are completed. Please indicate training dates on application. 

• Lifeguard Applicants must be enrolled or currently hold Lifeguarding Certification and be at least 15 years of age. 
• Lifeguard (SLI) Applicants must be enrolled or currently hold Lifeguarding Certification AND Water Safety Instructor Certification and be at least 16 years of age.

Apply for a Job

Step 3.Participate In A Lifeguard Skills Test

Test your skills. Skills Testing includes: an oral interview, lifeguarding skills, first aid, CPR, and fitness level test. Participation is mandatory for applicants to be eligible for employment.

All applicants must be certified lifeguards PRIOR to participating in the skills test. Please bring a copy of your certifications. You will be emailed the dates and time slots available after your application has been approved.

Skills Test Review classes