Lifeguard (Community Service Specialist I) at City of Vista – Vista, California

The Wave Waterpark is a small water park that is loved by families all over San Diego! Guests can enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and a Flow Rider.

The Wave Waterpark is a seasonal operation and is seeking temporary workers for the summer season. Wave Waterpark Lifeguards are certified as Starguard Elite Lifeguards. Our lifeguards are 5-star rated (10+ summers running!). Lifeguards receive the training and support to keep guests safe. Lifeguard training begins in the Spring with opportunity for hours year round. During the operating season you can expect to work days, nights, weekends, or holidays. Average hours for a lifeguard range from 25-35 hours per week. The Wave is a perfect first job opportunity.

The Wave Waterpark runs swim lessons from April to September. Lifeguards interested in teaching swim lessons will be able to sign up for training dates in April. Swim lessons are designed to teach confidence in and around the poolside to students. Instructors are trained to:

• Provide safety for the students.
• Provide a positive, happy experience for the students.
• Teach the students to enjoy water.
• Teach the students to swim.
• Teach the students water safety.
• Emphasize self-help.
• Provide students with a report card, which includes a skills checklist and recommendations from the instructors on the next class they should enroll in.

Swim Lesson Instructor Essential Functions
The Wave Waterpark runs swim lessons from April to September. Lifeguards interested in teaching swim lessons will be able to sign up for training dates in April. Swim lessons are designed to teach confidence in and around the poolside to students. Instructors are trained to:

• Provide safety for the students.
• Provide a positive, happy experience for the students.
• Teach the students to enjoy water.
• Teach the students to swim.
• Teach the students water safety.
• Emphasize self-help.
• Provide students with a report card, which includes a skills checklist and recommendations from the instructors on the next class they should enroll in.

Ideal candidates for this position will be:

• Enthusiastic
• Honest and reliable
• Hard working
• Safety Focused
• A team player and guest service focused

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Able to pass drug screening and background check
• Able to pass a vision test
• Applicants must attend Lifeguard training

Lifeguard Training Course:

To become a Lifeguard, you’ll be required to complete a Lifeguard Training Course at the Wave Waterpark. Lifeguard training will be free of charge. Applicants must be able to complete the following in-water skills test to be eligible for training:

• Swim 100 yards freestyle or breaststroke without stopping
• Tread water for one minute without use of hands
• Retrieve 10lb swim brick off the bottom of the 6’6” pool

• Ability to stand for up to 3 ½ hours at a given location.
• Ability to sit, bend, kneel, push, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment (including a harsh chlorine, water, and sun environment).
• Ability to pass mandatory swim test (100 yds., 1 min tread, 10lb brick).
• Ability to perform all rescue procedures as instructed.
• Ability to maintain crowd control and loudly and confidently give directions.
• Ability to pass the mandatory written exam and all other performance exams as part of the lifeguard class.

Selection Process:
All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, including a vision test, drug screen, and fingerprinting if 18 years or older.
You will be contacted by email or phone during the application and hiring process; please make sure to check the email and phone number voicemail you provided on your application.

Schedule of Events:
Screened applicants will be invited to interview beginning February 10.
Selected applicants will then be scheduled for a Lifeguard Training (only need to attend one training):

• April 3-5, 2026
• April 10-12, 2026
• April 17-9, 2026
• April 24-26, 2026

On the job training begins – May 15, 2026.
For applicants interested in teaching swim lessons, instructor trainings begin April 11, 2026.
Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.

For more information visit The Wave Waterpark’s Jobs page at THE WAVE WATERPARK NOW HIRING! | Wave Waterpark

Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.