Becoming a lifeguard with the City of Tallahassee can be a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a serious responsibility to ensure that children and individuals are able to safely enjoy time at the City’s community pools, which is why proper training is extremely important. Outlined below is the process for joining the City’s team as a certified lifeguard. For questions or additional information, please call 850-891-4903.

• View the in-person training sessions by using the link above to ensure you can attend each of the dates for the class you choose. Classes shown are what is currently scheduled and additional classes will be added as needed.
• The multi-day training session is FREE of charge and ONLY for participants seeking immediate City of Tallahassee employment. Certifications will not be processed for those who fail to follow through with the application process and begin working. Additional fees may also be assessed.
• Prior to the in-person sessions, potential lifeguards must take an online course, too. So make sure you pick a class date that gives you time to prepare physically and complete the online coursework. Information about the online course is noted under step two.

Step Two: Get Registered

• Upon registration, you will receive information about the required eLearning modules. This information will be sent in an attachment included with your registration confirmation email. Make sure to review the email and attachment thoroughly.
• The eLearning portion of the course takes approximately 7 hours to complete and is required to be completed prior to the first in-person skills session.

Step Three: Get Prepared

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There will be a prerequisite swimming skills assessment at the start of the first in-person class session to determine eligibility. You must be able to complete both of the following to participate in the class.

• Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (without stopping)
• Jump into the water from the side, totally submerge, recover to the surface and swim 150 yards
• While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
• Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed
• Swim goggles are allowed
• After swimming 150 yards, maintain position at the surface of the water without support for 2 minutes by treading
• While treading you can only use your legs - your hands are to be kept under your armpits and your head must remain above the surface of the water
• After maintaining position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes, swim 50 more yards
• Timed Event (You have 1 minute, 40 seconds to complete the following sequence)
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards - your face may be in or out of the water
  • Surface dive to a depth of 10-12 feet, to retrieve a 10-pound object
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface - swimming the distance underwater is not permitted
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
  • Swim goggles are not allowed

If you are unsure as to your ability to complete the above prerequisites, please make sure to come by the pool to practice well in advance of the class.

• There is no charge for practicing once you have registered for class. Just come by the pool and utilize a FLEX lane. It is recommended that you let a Head Lifeguard know you are there to prepare for lifeguard class and they will help you if you need it.
• If after practice you are unable to complete any of the skills, please let us know. We can set you up for "Pre-Lifeguard Prep" training - at no charge.

Step Four: Get Trained & Ready to Work

• Immediately following successful completion of the prerequisite swimming skills, the actual lifeguard training will begin.
• Employment application packets will be distributed during the class.
• Following successful completion of the final skills and written exams, times will be set up for submitting your application packet.
• When submitting the employment application packet, the applicant will be sent for a pre-employment drug test.
• A valid photo ID and social security card must be presented when submitting the application packet.
• Once the paperwork is processed - you’ll be ready for Lifeguard Orientation and uniforms so you can start saving lives and making money!