Aquatic Jobs – Lifeguards and Instructors

Notice: The lifeguard certification fee will be waived for those who are or will be employed by Columbia Parks and Recreation. 

New Employee packet

Questions?

Contact the ARC at 573.874.7700opens phone dialer

Lifeguards

  • Applicants must be at least 15 years of age
  • Applicants must have current nationally recognized lifeguard certification (Starfish, American Red Cross, or Ellis & Associates) or obtain certification prior to employment start date.

Swim instructors

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
  • Applicants must be currently certified in first aid and CPR or willing to get certified

Water fitness instructors

  • Experience preferred, but not required

Starguard Lifeguard training

Lifeguard training exercise at the ARC

Age: Must be 15 by first day of course (all 15-year-olds must lifeguard for Parks and Recreation).

Registration deadline is ten days prior to start of class; late fee of $10 assessed.

Learn first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and how to handle incidents in a professional manner. Prerequisites: tread water for one minute using legs only, swim 50 yards w/tube, 50 yards w/o tube continuously (front crawl or breast stroke), retrieve 10-pound object from 12 feet, access Internet (class requires online course). Online course requirements and test must be submitted first day of class.

NOTE: Two weeks before the first day of class, participants will receive an email to set up online account and view course materials. A Starguard manual can be found in your portal after setting up your account. 

Register online or call 573.874.7700opens phone dialer. Payment at the time of registration with a Visa, Master Card, or Discover.

Lifeguard training class schedules are updated in March and August with the publishing of each new edition of the “Leisure Times” program guide.

ACTIVITY #
DAY/DATE
TIME
PLACE
AGE PRICE
101200-03 F-Su: Mar 1-3, 2024 Fri, 5-9 p.m.; Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $175 
301301-01 F-Su: Apr 12-14, 2024 Fri, 5-9 p.m.; Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $175
 301301-02  F-Su: May 3-5, 2024 Fri, 5-9 p.m.; Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool   15+  $175
301301-03 F-Su: May 17-19, 2024 Fri, 5-9 p.m.; Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $175
301301-04 F-Su: Jun 7-9, 2024 Fri, 5-9 p.m.; Sat and Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $175

Lifeguard relicense

The recertification course is offered to those currently certified in lifeguard training and CPR who need to be recertified. The training and CPR certification is good for one year. Training will consist of a review of the class materials, a final skills test, and a final written test. Enrollment in class does not guarantee a passing grade.

Contact 573.874.7700opens phone dialer  to register

Note: If not currently employed by Columbia Parks and Recreation, email proof of valid certification to [email protected]create new email

Lifeguard training class schedules are updated in March and August with the publishing of each new edition of the “Leisure Times” program guide.

ACTIVITY # DAY DATE TIME LOCATION AGE PRICE
101201-03  Sunday Mar 3, 2024 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hickman Pool 15+ $135
301302-02 Saturday Apr 13, 2024 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $135
301302-03 Sunday  May 5, 2024 (P&R only) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hickman Pool 15+ $135
301302-04 Saturday May 18, 2024 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+  $135
301302-05 Sunday Jun 9, 2024 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Hickman Pool 15+ $135