GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids will be hiring 75 lifeguards to staff all three city-owned pools during the summer.
To help encourage applicants, the city will be covering the certification process for those who are not already certified by the American Red Cross. The course usually costs about $275.
City officials said offering free certification has helped fill lifeguard positions despite a nationwide shortage since 2020.
“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,” Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt said.
In order to be eligible for the free course, all applicants who undergo the two- to three-day course must work at one of the city's three public pools at Briggs, Martin Luther King and Richmond Park.
The certification is valid for two years.
Lifeguard positions begin at $15 per hour.
Applications for the lifeguard positions are now open. They close on May 1, 2024. For more information or to apply, click here.
A pre-application is required for those looking to take the Red Cross course. A manager will then work with applicants to schedule a course if necessary.
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