It’s possibly one of the coolest jobs to work in the summer.
One might get a suntan or not in the fickle Pacific Northwest weather, but one can enjoy being outdoors and take in the view.
However, that view is limited to carefully keeping watch over the happy, sun-chasers frolicking in the water at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Kennydale Beach Park.
They all open June 16 and lifeguards will be at the beaches from noon to 8 p.m. daily.
Swimmers can rest assured knowing they’ll be safe this summer.
Approximately 60 new and returning lifeguards start work June 9 and will staff the beaches and water park June 16 through Labor Day. The lifeguards start work a week ahead of the opening of Renton water parks for training.
The city looked for dependability, maturity, good judgement, tact, positive attitude, professionalism and physical fitness when hiring its staff, said Kris Stimpson, recreation manager.
All City of Renton lifeguards have to pass a written test and a swimming skills assessment.
They also have to have current certifications in such skills as CPR and blood-borne training, she said.
The week prior to opening the staff spends time training by taking swim tests, practicing beach guarding and boat skills, emergency-response training, rectifying for certain skills and they will organize their supplies as well as other activities.
The minimum age is 16 to be a lifeguard, but the guards at the beaches are usually college-age, said Stimpson.
Last year no patrons to the lifeguarded water areas required CPR, but about 40 patrons at the pools needed assistance as they were struggling in the water, Stimpson said.
“Our biggest problem is losing lifeguards in late August as they go back to school,” Stimpson said.
The city hired all 45 applicants that they had for open positions this year.
“We take all the 45 applicants, however, they must pass the swim test prior to working,” she said. “Some will not pass. They can practice and retake the test. A lot of guards return, but some graduate from college and move on to their careers.”
