City to offer free lifeguard certification

The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department plans to hire 75 lifeguards this summer. To aid in the staffing of the city’s three pools, the city will offer free American Red Cross courses for applicants who are not already certified.

“By offering free lifeguard certification, we’re opening the doors to a new segment of potential lifeguards who may not have had the means to apply in the past,” said Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt.

The year 2024 marks the third year the department has offered the free certifications, which are valid for two years and have a value of $275. The initiative appears to be paying off. Despite a nationwide lifeguard shortage since 2020, the City of Grand Rapids has been able to fully staff its pools without disruption to operations.

To be eligible for the free certification, participants who successfully pass the two- to three-day courses must work as a lifeguard at the one of the city’s pools which are located in Briggs Park, Martin Luther King Park and Richmond Park for the 2024 pool season. City lifeguard wages start at $15 per hour.

Pre-application is required to be eligible for the certification courses. Prospective lifeguards, who must be 15 years old or older, can apply online HERE . An aquatics manager will work with applicants to schedule a certification course, if needed.