NE Valley Times

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation has taken significant steps to ensure water safety this summer by offering hiring incentives for lifeguard and instructor positions. The department received 70 applications and hired 50 new employees.

“We understood the importance of having sufficient lifeguard staff to oversee our pools,” said Kyu-Bin Hyun, Parks and Recreation manager. “Not only does it allow us to offer a full slate of summer programming including waterpark hours and swim lessons, but more importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of water-related incidents.”

Incentives offered for summer lifeguards in Scottsdale included:

- Special duty pay during the peak summer season (May 19 - Sept. 7)

- Lifeguard/Instructor: $16/hour

- Head Lifeguard: $17.50/hour

- Assistant Pool Manager: $19/hour

Additionally, Scottsdale Aquatics will reimburse 100% of the StarGuard certification class after 90 days of employment and provide a $200 employee referral bonus.

In recognition of Arizona Drowning Impact Awareness Month, Scottsdale Aquatics is waiving enrollment fees for swim lessons throughout August. This initiative began in August 2004 in collaboration with Phoenix Children's Hospital and is now the largest collaborative water safety effort in the state.

Starting Tuesday, July 23, residents can sign up via Scottsdale’s online registration system. Swim lessons are available for children starting at six months through adult swim and stroke refinement lessons. In August 2023, Scottsdale Aquatics offered 336 free swim lessons to more than 200 participants.

For a full list of aquatics programming, visit the official website.