Lifeguards Needed for Swim Season 2021
Looking for a summer job where you can make a positive impact in a fun environment?
Good news: CA is still hiring lifeguards for summer 2021. There are plenty of perks to being a lifeguard with CA — including eligibility to get the COVID-19 vaccination.
We are still looking to fill positions at the following facilities this summer:
- Hawthorn
- Hobbits Glen
- Longfellow
- Swansfield
- Columbia Athletic Club
- Supreme Sports Club
- Columbia Swim Center
Check out our video below and read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity…
Benefits of Being a CA Lifeguard
According to CA’s Director of Aquatics, Marty Oltmanns, lifeguarding is a uniquely fun opportunity to make a difference.
“It’s a wonderful first job and it looks great on college applications and resumes,” he said. “Unlike a lot of jobs, you’re responsible for people’s lives in your community, which adds to the importance of what you do. That’s what makes lifeguarding in Columbia unique — you can walk to the pool you protect.”
CA’s Aquatics Assistant Director of Operations, Adam Scott, echoes Oltmann’s praises.
“As a teenager, I started working at CA as a lifeguard, and it was amazing to meet so many friends in a fun environment,” he said. “It was so rewarding to see the impact on the members who come to enjoy our facilities.”
Typically, CA’s lifeguard positions are filled for all 23 pools by February. However, because outdoor pools were closed due to COVID-19 last year, CA is now a year behind in team development.
“New lifeguards are really essential this year,” said Scott.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Due to the pandemic, this upcoming summer looks different than years’ past. There are a number of new protocols in place to keep lifeguards as safe as possible.
Social distancing and mask wearing will be maintained during training, except when lifeguards are in the water practicing lifesaving skills. CA’s lifeguard agency, Ellis & Associates, has also made a few crucial changes — such as using different filters to reduce the risk of transmission to lifeguards. Our safety measures are also in accordance with state and industry guidelines. You can learn more from the Maryland Department of Heath here, or about lifeguard training here.
Additionally, lifeguards are now considered to be first responders. That means anyone who can prove employment as a CA lifeguard is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to Apply
Interested in applying? We can’t wait to hear from you! As a reminder, CA lifeguards are also eligible as first responders to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
To be an Aquatics New Lifeguard or Aquatics CNSL Assistant Coach for CA, you must be 15 by May 29, 2021.
The first step in the process is to pass a water screening. You will need to pre-register by calling the Aquatics Office at 410-312-6332. Applicants will be asked to swim 200 yards, retrieve a ten-pound brick from the diving well (feet first) and tread water for two minutes.
The screenings are held at the Columbia Swim Center (10400 Cross Fox Lane Columbia, Maryland 21044) on Tuesdays/Thursdays @ 5:15pm and @ 3pm on Wednesdays.
When you arrive, you are required to wear a mask, have your temperature taken and answer COVID-19 assessment questions prior to entering the pool area. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and call the office to reschedule your test.
Also, be sure to sign up for the CA Swim newsletter and follow CA Swim on Facebook and Twitter for updates on all things pools-related.
