The Evanston Fire Department is now recruiting lifeguards for the 2023 summer season and is inviting all individuals interested in joining their dynamic, dedicated team to apply.

Evanston lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors to the City’s five public swimming beaches, working closely with first responders to identify and mitigate hazards, provide first aid, and respond to emergency medical situations and rescues.

The Evanston lifeguard program moved from the Parks & Recreation Department to the Evanston Fire Department this year as part of the City’s 2023 Budget process. The reorganization will allow Parks & Recreation to focus on enhancing lakefront programming, events and experiences, while supporting the Evanston Fire Department’s mission of protecting lives and property.

“Protecting the health and safety of all community members and visitors is our number one priority, and we’re thrilled to grow our team this summer with the addition of the Evanston Fire Department lifeguard program,” said Fire Chief Paul Polep. “Bringing lifeguards under the Evanston Fire Department umbrella will enhance our City’s coordination, response and training for lakefront incidents, while at the same time adding value to the job experience for our lifeguards.”

Evanston joins a number of other waterfront communities, from San Diego, CA to Michigan City, IN, whose lifeguard program operates as part of the Fire Department.

How to apply

Individuals interested in becoming an Evanston Fire Department lifeguard are encouraged to complete the candidate interest form at cityofevanston.org/lifeguardinterest at their earliest possible convenience. The Evanston Fire Department will reach out to interested candidates in the coming weeks with information about the application process.

Lifeguards must be at least 16 years of age, and able to achieve Red Cross Lifeguard certification. Previous experience as a lifeguard is beneficial, but not required. Evanston residency is not required.

Pay and benefits

As part of the City’s efforts to recruit and retain more lifeguards for the upcoming summer season, lifeguard pay has increased to $18.50 an hour for a lifeguard’s first season, and $20 an hour for their second season. Lifeguards in good standing at the end of the summer season may also be eligible to win a $500 scholarship.

Evanston Fire Department lifeguards interested in pursuing a fire and life safety career will also gain valuable experience as a member of a Class 1-rated department, as designated by the Insurance Services Office's (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, which places the EFD in the top 1 percent of fire departments nationwide. 

More information

Evanston beaches will be open for swimming for the 2023 season from Saturday, May 27 through Monday, September 4.

For more information about becoming an Evanston Fire Department lifeguard, visit cityofevanston.org/lifeguard or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 311 in Evanston.