The Parks & Recreation Department offers lifeguard training courses for all hired employees throughout the year using certification methods and standards through the American Red Cross. Contact 297-3221 for more details. 

Age Requirements

To enroll, candidates must be 16 years old and have be active in the hiring process with the City of Oklahoma City.

Qualifications

Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
• Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Cost ($250 value)

A 100% discount will be offered to individuals who are hired as lifeguards by the City of Oklahoma City for the summer season and meet specific training and employment requirements. Click here for available positions. 

The City of Oklahoma City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Group Lessons

 Youth swimming lessons are available at all Oklahoma City pools for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers. Cost is $35 per student for a 6-lesson session. Contact sherri.plunkett@okc.gov for more details. 

Private Lessons

Private swimming lessons for all age groups are available at all pools and family aquatic centers. Lessons are available based upon staff availability during swim lesson hours. Private lessons are $80 for 4, 40-minute sessions. Inquire at sherri.plunkett@okc.gov for lesson availability.

Swimming Teams

Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 can join one of our recreational swim teams and compete against other swimmers in the Oklahoma City metro area. Contact sherri.plunkett@okc.gov for more details. 

• Participants must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle and backstroke. 
• Meets take place on Saturday Mornings at various pools around the OKC Metro.
• Practices take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday during the season. 

Cost: $50 per swimmer, per season.