The following areas are covered in this training: Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, AED, Waterfront Skills, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Bloodborne Pathogens Training, Asthma Inhaler Training, and Epinephrine Auto Injector Training. At the successful completion of the class, you'll receive your certification.
Training for New Lifeguards
For people who haven't worked for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ in the last two years and/or do not have a valid American Red Cross Certification. Trainings are 40 hours (5 days) and require attendance each day. Training date options are:
- November 17 & 24, and December 1, 8, & 15
9 am - 5 pm
at Foster (1440 W. 84th St.), McGuane (2901 S. Poplar Ave.) or Welles (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Parks - December 26 – 28 and January 2 & 3
9 am - 5 pm
at Harris (6200 S. Drexel Ave.), Portage (4100 N. Long Ave.) or Stanton (618 W. Scott St.) Parks - February 4 – 8, 11 - 14
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
at Don Nash Comm. Center (1833 E. 71st Street) - February 11 – 15, 18 - 22
5 pm – 9 pm weekdays, 12 pm - 4 pm Saturdays
at Ridge Park (9625 S. Longwood) - February 17 - 21, 24 – 28
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays only
at Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield) - February 19 – March 22
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Wednesdays & Fridays Only
at Gill Park (833 W. Sheridan) - March 4 - 8, 11 - 15
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am - 1 pm Saturdays
at Ping Tom Park (1700 S. Wentworth) - March 11 – 14, 18 - 22
3:45 pm - 7:45 pm weekdays, 9 am-5 pm Saturday
at Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Avenue) - March 11 - 15, 18 - 22
4:30 pm - 8:30 pm weekdays, 12 pm - 4 pm Saturdays
at West Pullman Park (401 W. 123rd Street) - March 17 – 21, 24 - 28
5 pm-9 pm weekdays only
at Shabbona Park (6935 W. Addison Street) - March 24 – 28 (CPS Spring Break)
9 am – 5:30 pm weekdays only
at Portage Park (4100 N. Long), Homan Square Park (3517 W. Arthington), Foster Park (1440 W. 84th Street) or Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Avenue) - April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 18
9 am – 5 pm Sundays only
at LaFollette Park (1333 N. Laramie Ave), Shabbona Park (6935 W. Addison Street), Ridge Park (9625 S. Longwood), or Gill Park (833 W. Sheridan) - April 21 - 25 (Private School Spring Break)
9 am - 5:30 pm weekdays
at Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen), or Hayes Park (2936 W. 85th Street) - April 22 – 26, 29 - May 2
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm Saturday
Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood), or Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside ) - April 22 – 26, 29 – May 3
4:30 pm-7:30 pm weekdays, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Saturdays
Mann Park (3035 E 130th Street) - May 5 - 9, 12 - 16
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays only
Kosciuszko Park (2732 N. Avers) - May 6 - 10, 13 – 16
5 pm - 9 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
McGuane Park (2901 S. Poplar) - May 20 – 24, 27 - 30
4 pm - 8 pm weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday
Sheridan Park (910 S. Aberdeen) - June 2 - 7, 9 - 12
4 pm -8 pm weekdays, 12 pm – 4 pm Saturday
Stanton Park (618 W. Scott Street)
Training for Returning Lifeguards
For lifeguards who have worked for the ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ and still have a valid Red Cross Certification.
The training is 13 hours (1.5 days). Trainings start Saturday at noon and go until 5 pm, then resume Sunday 9 am - 5 pm. You must have a valid certification and attend the entire class to be renewed. Training date options are:
- November 16 & 17, 2024 – Whitney Young High School, 211 S Laflin St.
- December 21 & 22, 2024 – Whitney Young High School
- February 1 & 2, 2025 – Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St.
- March 1 & 2, 2025 – Whitney Young High School
- March 22 & 23, 2025 – Whitney Young High School
- April 12 & 13, 2025 – Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.
- May 3 & 4, 2025 – Whitney Young High School
- May 17 & 18, 2025 – Whitney Young High School
- May 31 & June 1, 2025 – Whitney Young High School
Candidates must submit the job application, and successfully complete the Lifeguard Skills test before attending the certification classes. Training date selection will be done onsite at the Lifeguard Skills test.
To learn more about the lifeguard position and the application process visit .
For questions, email lifeguards@chicagoparkdistrict.com.