Milwaukee County lifeguard training, retention; starting pay $17.47/hour
Milwaukee County lifeguard training, retention
Milwaukee County Parks is looking to recruit lifeguards after summers of staffing challenges.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks is looking to recruit lifeguards after summers of staffing challenges.
Lifeguards wanted
What we know:
Lifeguard recruitment and training is well underway. In-water training started in January.
Andrea Wallace of Milwaukee County Parks said the turnout is encouraging – especially after years of staffing challenges due to COVID-19.
What they're saying:
"Rebuilding that has taken several years. So now that we have a lot of those experienced guards returning, we’re definitely reinvigorated," Wallace said. "Really, retention has been our focus this season."
The Milwaukee County Parks Department said in 2024, they filled 136 lifeguard positions. In 2025, they are aiming to fill 200 lifeguard positions.
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"We were able to open five pools last year – instead of our core four, which was a huge accomplishment," Wallace said.
Andrea Wallace
"I enjoy working over the summer. It’s a nice job to have. It’s easy to maintain while being a student," said Alejandro Lezama, a returning lifeguard.
Incentives offered
What we know:
Wallace said Milwaukee County Parks is on track to fill all positions. They are offering incentives to keep those numbers up.
The starting wage for a lifeguard is $17.47 – and you could win things like Summerfest or Brewers tickets.
Interested in joining the team?
What you can do:
To be a lifeguard in Milwaukee County, you have to be at least 16 years old – or turn 16 by summer.
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The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News with help from Milwaukee County Parks.