Raleigh looking for summer lifeguards

Raleigh officials need to hire 65 lifeguards to staff the city's nine pools this summer.

Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old. Starting pay is $8 per hour. Candidates must have current certification by the American Red Cross in lifeguarding, including first aid and professional-level CPR.

If your teen doesn't have that certification, you're in luck. The city offers free classes toward certification to those who agree to work at least 155 hours as a lifeguard this summer.

The city's parks, recreation and cultural resources department hires more than 350 lifeguards each year. Those 65 slots remain open. Seasonal pools will start opening May 23.

To be eligible for the free lifeguard training, prospective lifeguards must pass a screening that requires them to:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing;

• Tread water for two minutes using only your legs; and,

• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of seven to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, surface and swim 20 yards on your back with both hands holding an object, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps.