Are you thinking about getting a summer job while also protecting kids and adults in Philly?

Well, look no more because Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is looking to hire 400 lifeguards for the city’s public pools this summer, in addition to maintenance attendants.

Lifeguards will be able to make $15.25 an hour and will typically work 35 hours a week between the months of June through August.

The city is hoping to have a different outcome than it had last year when officials had to close 21 pools because of a lifeguard shortage in the city.

Unfortunately, many of Philly’s youth were not able to join their public neighborhood swimming pools due to this circumstance.

This is critical because children are in need of a safe outlet this summer, especially since the city is seeing an uptick in gun violence.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell stated that everyone is able to apply for the summer job in efforts to provide children with a cool summer.

“Our lifeguards are the foundation for a fun Philly summer,” said Lovell. “From teens and young adults to retirees and school teachers, lifeguards come from all walks of life and have one thing in common – a passion for Philadelphia and a commitment to bringing our kids the safe summer of fun they so deserve.”

Interested applicants must be 16 years old or older for the city of Philadelphia. City officials acquiring selected applicants must complete a series of training, such as swimming 300 yards non-stop, treading water for two minutes, and retrieving a 10-lb brick from a deep well.

City officials also stated that it will provide free training for future lifeguards who want to master their swimming skills. Once candidates pass the screening, they are enrolled in a Red Cross lifeguard certification course.

After candidates pass the screening, they will then be provided with more training from a water safety instructor. 

When hands-on training is completed, candidates will also have to complete a final skills assessment and an essay.

Lovell also believes that this is a chance for Philly locals to give back to their community. She also said that so far, not enough people have applied just yet.

"We are getting pretty desperate to hire enough lifeguards and other staff to open city pools this summer," Lovell said to Action News. 

Lifeguard screening and training will be available at two locations, in Center City: Friends Select School – 17th & the Parkway, and Lincoln High School – 3201 Ryan Ave in Mayfair.

For more information on becoming a lifeguard this summer check out the city’s website.