Phoenix boosts lifeguard pay incentive to $3,000 for 2023 pool season

PHOENIX – After only having enough staff to open about half of its pools in 2022, the city of Phoenix is upping its incentive to lifeguards for next year’s swim season.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday it will offer $3,000 in bonuses to certified lifeguards who work all summer in 2023.

Pool managers, assistant managers and lifeguards will get $500 on top of their wages in their first paycheck and a $2,500 payment after the season ends Labor Day weekend.

Applicants have to complete the StarGuard training program and be at least 15 years old.

Current Parks and Recreation employees are also eligible for $250 referral payments.

“Our committee will continue to support the important efforts by our Parks and Recreation Department to address the shortages in our lifeguard and pool staffing levels,” Councilwoman Betty Guardado, chair of the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee, said in a press release.

Parks and Recreation offered lifeguards $2,500 incentives for the summer of 2022 but was only able to recruit enough staff to open 18 of its 29 pools.

The position of shallow water lifeguard, for water no deeper than 4 feet, is being added to the roster for 2023.

Here is the lifeguard pay scale, not including bonuses:

• Pool managers: $20.91.
• Assistant pool managers: $18.28.
• Swim lesson instructor: $16.51.
• Lifeguards: $15.72.
• Shallow water lifeguard: $14.97.

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