Milwaukee County lifeguard training, retention; starting pay $17.47/hour
Milwaukee County Parks is doing what it can to attract 200 people to become lifeguards for the upcoming summer.
The job of lifeguard has a starting pay of $17.47 an hour.
Incentives are being offered for those interested in taking on this endeavor.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks is looking to recruit lifeguards after summers of staffing challenges.
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.
"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.
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.
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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You can learn much more about the process of applying, training and becoming a lifeguard on the Milwaukee County Parks website.
The Source
The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News with help from Milwaukee County Parks.
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