Lifeguard Explorers is your pathway to becoming a Chicago Park District lifeguard.
The Chicago Park District is committed to identifying and training swimmers from around the city. In this new Lifeguard Explorers program, we will teach the required skills and provide supervised practice time needed to successfully pass the Lifeguard Skills Test. Passing the Lifeguard Skill test is a requirement to become a Chicago Park District Lifeguard. Open to Chicago residents age 14-19. Based on age, not all applicants will be eligible to work next summer but can prepare for the following summer (to be a lifeguard, must be 16 by July 1 of the work year).
Highlights
- Learn the skills needed to pass the Lifeguard Skills Test
- Swimming practice time included in each class
-
Paid training - receive up to $475:
-
$200 for completing the 10-week program (paid by After School Matters - ASM)
Participants must first apply on the ASM website (winter/spring session application opens on 1/23/26) & meet ASM attendance requirements -
$100 for applying for the Lifeguard job with the Chicago Park District and attempting the May 2, 2026, Lifeguard Skills Test (paid by the Chicago Park District), and
-
$175 for passing the Lifeguard Skills Test AND becoming eligible to work for the Chicago Park District in summer 2026 (city resident & 16 years old by July 1, 2026) (paid by the Chicago Park District)
Note: Winter/spring participants must take the May 2, 2026, Lifeguard Skills Test in order to be eligible for the $100 and $175 payments through the Chicago Park District.
-
Class Details
- 40 hours of class required
- Meets two-three days per week
- 2026 Winter/Spring session dates: February 23, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Format
General format (can vary by park):
- 15-minute warm-up
- 60-minute swim
- 30-minute lifeguard skills training
- 15-minute closing
Locations
- Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St.
Tues. & Thurs.: 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm
Saturday: 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm
- Blackhawk Park, 2318 N. Lavergne Ave.
Tuesday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Carver Park, 939 E. 132nd St.
Wednesday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Fernwood Park, 10436 S. Wallace St.
Tuesday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St.
Tuesday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Homan Square Community Center Park, 3559 W. Arthington
Monday: 5 pm - 6:45 pm
Wed. & Fri.: 4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
- LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave.
Monday: 5 pm - 6:45 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 2 pm
- Nash Park, 7125 S. Bennett Ave.
Mon. & Wed.: 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Fri.: 5 pm - 6 pm
The Chicago Park District is committed to identifying and training swimmers from around the city. Successfully passing the test and completing the job application and applicant requirements for the Lifeguard position makes you eligible to be hired as a Chicago Park District Lifeguard!
Learn more about the lifeguard position & the application process: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards
For questions about the Lifeguard Explorers program, call the Chicago Park District Aquatics Division at (312) 742-7801.
In partnership with:
