Becoming a lifeguard with the City of Tallahassee can be a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a serious responsibility to ensure that children and individuals are able to safely enjoy time at the City’s community pools, which is why proper training is extremely important. Outlined below is the process for joining the City’s team as a certified lifeguard. For questions or additional information, please call 850-891-4903.

Step One: Pick a Class Date

• View the in-person training sessions by using the link above to ensure you can attend each of the dates for the class you choose. Classes shown are what is currently scheduled and additional classes will be added as needed.
• The multi-day training session is FREE of charge and ONLY for participants seeking immediate City of Tallahassee employment. Certifications will not be processed for those who fail to follow through with the application process and begin working. Additional fees may also be assessed.
• Prior to the in-person sessions, potential lifeguards must take an online course, too. So make sure you pick a class date that gives you time to prepare physically and complete the online coursework. Information about the online course is noted under step two.

Step Two: Get Registered

• Upon registration, you will receive information about the required eLearning modules, including the CPA/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid final eLearning exam. This information will be sent in an attachment included with your registration confirmation email. Make sure to review the email and attachment thoroughly.
• The eLearning portion of the course takes approximately 7 hours to complete and is required to be completed prior to the first in-person skills session.

Step Three: Get Prepared

There will be a swimming skills assessment at the start of the first in-person session. You must be able to successfully complete the following to participate in the class:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point holding the object with both hands and face out of the water, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps, within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Swim goggles are not allowed.

If you are unsure as to your ability to complete the above prerequisites, please make sure to come by the pool to practice well in advance of the class.

• There is no charge for practicing once you have registered for class. Just come by the pool and utilize a FLEX lane. It is recommended that you let a Head Lifeguard know you are there to prepare for lifeguard class and they will help you if you need it.
• If after practice you are unable to complete any of the skills, please let us know. We can set you up for "Pre-Lifeguard Prep" training - at no charge.

Step Four: Get Trained & Ready to Work

• Immediately following successful completion of the prerequisite swimming skills, the actual lifeguard training will begin.
• Employment application packets will be distributed during the class.
• Following successful completion of the final skills and written exams, times will be set up for submitting your application packet.
• When submitting the employment application packet, the applicant will be sent for a pre-employment drug test.
• A valid photo ID and social security card must be presented when submitting the application packet.
• Once the paperwork is processed - you’ll be ready for Lifeguard Orientation and uniforms so you can start saving lives and making money!