Due date for applications: February 28th, 2026
Responsibilities
PWIA Lifeguards are responsible for the daily operations and supervision of the PWIA pool facility. They perform all routine lifeguard, front gate and maintenance tasks to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Expectations
Be familiar with all pool rules and procedures. Perform responsibilities in a courteous and professional manner. Arrive to work on time, in uniform, and stay focused during the entire shift. Be prepared to follow emergency protocols. Communicate clearly with the pool manager directly, including schedule availability and changes, in a timely manner.
Requirements
Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and hold a current Red Cross lifeguard certification. This is more than their first aid certification. Local training sessions can be found on their website https://www.redcross.org/. You do not need to be a member of the pool to be a lifeguard. Employees under age 18 and still in high school will need to obtain a work permit from their school office and have it on file with PWIA and their school before they can begin working.
Information
Lifeguards wear their own swimsuits, any style, and shorts. A lifeguard shirt and hat/visor will be provided for each person. While working, the guard shirt must be worn at all times. Electronic whistles and all other needed supplies will be provided and kept at the pool. The pool season runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
The pay rate is $19/hour for new guards, which is the San Jose minimum wage with an additional hourly stipend to help cover the cost of certification over the two years it is usable. Paychecks are issued every 2 weeks through direct deposit. A mobile app is used for communicating, scheduling and clocking in and out of each shift.
Hiring Process
February
Submit job application by Feb 28th: https://forms.gle/2zVeLajiuPbXessS9
Email poolmanager@pwia.net with any questions.
March
Applicants will be contacted via email to set up an interview with the board of directors. Out of town applicants can meet over Zoom. Offers will be extended by April 1st.
Hiring selection: To reduce operating costs and give each lifeguard sufficient hours, we limit our hiring to the number of positions needed. Our priority is a safe environment with a responsible team.
Lifeguards will be chosen based on a rubric system that awards points in the following categories: relevant work experience, reference recommendations, board member interview report, professionalism in behavior/communication, and familiarity with PWIA. We prioritize age 16+ and returning guards over new 15-year-old applicants. If you are not offered a position for this season, we encourage you to reapply next year.
April
Applicants who are offered positions will have until April 30th to submit all paperwork. Lifeguard certification must be scheduled by the end of the month and completed before the first shift. Scheduling will be postponed for any guards whose paperwork is incomplete and may result in the position being given to another candidate so the pool can open fully staffed on the Friday before Memorial Day (May 22nd, 2026).