Austin lifeguard pay rises to $20/hour

Hoping to avert last year’s lifeguard shortage, the Parks & Recreation Department is working hard to recruit and train at least 700 lifeguards to staff all of the city’s public pools this summer. City Council is doing its part, raising the minimum wage lifeguards earn to $20/hour. Trained guards also receive a free uniform, a Capital Metro bus pass, and for those who complete a certain number of work hours during the swim season, a $400 training stipend. This isn’t just a summer job either; the parks department says “lifeguarding can be a stepping stone to a career in public service or a job as a first responder. Tomorrow’s emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and police officers can start learning lifesaving skills and building emergency response experience working as lifeguards today.” Visit LifeguardAustin to learn more about how to apply.