Wet your whistle: Phoenix offers up to $3,000 bonus for certified aquatics staff

PHOENIX — There’s money to be made for anyone with swimming skills in the Valley.

Pool managers, assistant managers and lifeguards are in high demand within the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, which is looking to fill hundreds of these positions.

City officials are even offering $3,000 in incentive pay to eligible certified managers and assistant managers.

Why does the city of Phoenix need aquatics staff?

These positions need to be filled so the city can safely open its 29 pools, according to a news release last week.

There are various types of incentive pay available, depending on a candidate’s qualifications and eligibility.

A candidate must become certified as a lifeguard, finish their job in good standing, work the entire summer 2025 and work at least three days in August.

Lifeguard interviews will be held on March 22.

There is also an employee referral payment of $250.

Details about Phoenix aquatics staff incentive pay for summer 2025

Swim instructors who are certified and eligible can receive a total of $2,000 in incentive pay, while eligible certified lifeguards can get a total of $1,500.

There’s a little less for shallow water lifeguards who are certified and eligible; they’ll get a total of $1,000 in incentive pay.

For context, a shallow water lifeguard is a job that requires watching over pools of water that are four feet and under. The job is returning to the department for the third year.

There is also incentive pay available for managers and assistant managers. They’ll get $500 on their first paychecks in June. At the end of the 2025 pool season, they’ll get more incentive pay.

Finally, all lifeguard positions will get an extra $250 in incentive pay on their first paycheck in June. They’ll get another payout at the end of the season.

Those interested in these positions can find more information online.