TranslateLifeguard Services
Our lifeguards are at the heart of our water safety programs, providing vital services that save lives, while offering a pathway for youth and adults aspiring to become first responders.
Stationed at parks like Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and Spring Lake Regional Park, and supported by a roving River Patrol team on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, these highly trained professionals perform rescues, administer first aid and teach water safety. They create a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors.
Become a professional lifeguard
For those interested in pursuing a career as a first responder, becoming a Sonoma County lifeguard offers an excellent entry-level opportunity. Many of our lifeguards begin their journey through our Junior Guard and Lifeguard in Training (LGIT) programs, gaining valuable leadership experience and emergency response skills.
With ongoing training and certifications, our lifeguards are prepared to handle a wide range of situations, making this role a strong foundation for a future in emergency services.
We begin recruiting seasonally in the spring each year for extra-help (seasonal) positions for the summer. If you don’t see any opportunities currently listed at the link below, check back soon! You can also use the “notify me” link on that page to sign up to receive email notifications when a position opens.
Become a lifeguard in training
The Lifeguard in Training (LGIT) program, for youth ages 14 and up, provides an opportunity to build leadership and lifesaving skills while gaining hands on experience and pursuing a lifeguard career. LGIT participants support Junior Guard Camp by mentoring camp participants and honing their abilities. Many of our professional lifeguards began their careers through this program, making it an excellent steppingstone to staff positions.
The program runs from February to August, starting with an online application (open annually Feb. 1–March 1), followed by an interview and swim test in early spring. Participants attend orientation and team-building sessions in May, then assist with four weeks of Junior Guard Camp at Spring Lake and Doran Beach throughout the summer.
Junior Guard Camp
The Junior Guard Camp offers youth ages 10-14 an exciting, hands-on experience focused on lifesaving techniques and leadership. Participants train with expert lifeguards, learning swimming and paddling rescues, boating safety, first aid, CPR and AED use. Activities include swimming, time on the inflatable water park and friendly competitions to showcase their lifeguarding skills. The camp is accessible to all skill levels, including new swimmers. Camp sessions are offered in the summer at Spring Lake Regional Park.