Lifeguard Tryout Information
Dear Water Safety Staff Applicant,
Happy 2026! We hope you’ll consider returning or joining us for the 2026 Aquatic Season with the Town of Barnstable Recreation Division. Applications for hire will be accepted beginning on Monday, February 2nd: https://barnstable.gov/departments/humanresources/Employment-Opportunities.asp
Pay Rates for 2026 Salary Range
- Lifeguard Aide $18.50-$19.00
- Lifeguard $20.50-$21.00
- Sailing Instructor & WSI $21.00-$21.50
- Head Lifeguard $21.50-$22.00
Tryouts for prospective 2026 Water Safety Staff will be held on the following Saturdays:
Tryout Schedule/Information
Pool Session: 8:45–10:45 AM (YMCA Cape Cod)
- 500 yd. Swim under 10 minutes = 15%
- 200 yards must be Front Crawl w/rhythmic breathing
- If you finish the 500-yard swim in less than 12 minutes but not under 10 minutes as required, you may then try a 1-mile run (under 8 minutes).
- Mock Rescue = 10
- 25 yard sprint under 17 seconds = 5%
- 2 minute Tread with arms under pits = 5%
- Spinal Management (deep & shallow water) = 10%
- 50 yard swim with brick retrieval = 5%
Written Test, CPR/First Aid Review, and Interviews (if needed): 11:30 AM at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC)
- Interview = 20%
- CPR/AED Demonstration = 10%
- First Aid Demonstration = 10%
- Written Test = 10%
Candidates must attend one of the listed dates and achieve a score of 80% or higher in each testing area to be considered for the following positions:
- Head Lifeguard/Lifeguard
- Head Swim Instructor/Water Swim Instructor
- Sailing Instructor
Required Qualifications
- Waterfront Lifeguard Training (including First Aid)
- CPR for Professional Rescuer
- American Red Cross Certification
- Water Safety Instructor Certification (preferred for hire)
Age Requirements
- All Water Safety Staff must be 17 years of age or older
- 16-year-olds may be considered with one season as a Lifeguard Aide and prior approval
- Lifeguard Aide positions are available at 15 years of age (certifications still required)
All positions will be filled after the May 30 tryout, based on tryout scores. If positions remain open and you are unable to attend a tryout, you may still be contacted as long as an application is on file. We will take the best applicants for each position and look forward to another great summer. See you at tryouts!
Sincerely,
George Noonan
Assistant Recreation Director
508-790-6345 x127
George.Noonan@barnstable.gov