Jump Two Feet Into a Lifeguarding Career

If you want to make a positive impact in your community and enjoy being in the water, becoming a lifeguard/swim instructor can be a great start to a lifelong career and an opportunity to develop key life skills. 

As candidates learn to develop first-aid and water safety skills, a sense of confidence is instilled within each one of them. This confidence helps to carry the team and individuals through life, in the water, and on the pool deck. 

At the City of Surrey, all candidates are hired as lifeguards and swim instructors. This two-part position is a rewarding opportunity to not only prevent accidents in the pool but also teach life skills to the community.   

Becoming a swimming instructor is much more than giving students a workout. It’s a gratifying, emotional journey. Ask anyone hired as a lifeguard/swimming instructor about a memorable experience on the job, and they will tell you a story of someone who was impacted by their teaching. Whether it’s an adult in a beginner swimming lesson who dreamed of snorkelling on their upcoming vacation or a 5-year-old child who has for the first time been able to enjoy swimming day at school. A career as a swimming instructor is fun, active and sprinkled with daily inspiration.  

Top 10 reasons to become a lifeguard/swim instructor: 

1. Save lives 
2. Positively impact the community 
3. Learn how to take action in stressful situations 
4. Be part of an amazing team 
5. Learn and practice useful first-aid skills 
6. Earn a great hourly wage 
7. Stay active at work  
8. Gain/develop self-confidence 
9. Enjoy a flexible schedule  
10. Develop leadership skills 

There is training involved in becoming a lifeguard / swim instructor. Candidates will need to complete a series of courses, including the National Lifeguard and Water Safety award to be considered.  

Want to learn more about recreation opportunities within the City of Surrey? Sign up for the Recreation Opportunities newsletter.