Walt Disney World is hosting lifeguard job fair Wednesday

Summer vacation is just a little more than two months away for my teenagers. So that means there already has been a lot of talk about their plans, and for the first time, that includes the possibility of a paid job for my 15-year-old son. As a competitive swimmer, he naturally thought of lifeguarding as a job he not only would be good at but would enjoy.

In one of those moments of serendipity, I came across an ad for a Lifeguarding Job Fair at Walt Disney World this week. Unfortunately, my son is not yet old enough to work at the theme park pools because the minimum age is 16. However, this information may be useful to others interested specifically in lifeguarding at Walt Disney World.

The resort will host a Lifeguard Job Fair from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to interview on site with the required swim test conducted during the event.

So what is Walt Disney World looking for?

Basic qualifications include:

** Ability to swim 200 yards (ability to swim 8 lengths continuously)

** Perform work that may involve lifting guests, in and out of the pool up to 100 pounds or more with assistance

** Lifeguard training is provided and must be successfully completed.

** Strong observational skills to proactively identify guest needs and ensure safety guidelines are being followed

** Strong verbal communication skills (able to positively engage with guests, team members and management)

** Full-Time requires full availability for any shift, any day, including nights, weekends and holidays.

** Part-Time requires full availability for any shift, a minimum of three days per week, including nights and holidays

** Seasonal requires full availability supporting the summer season, beginning early June 2018 through beginning of August 2018. Seasonal cast members will be expected to maintain availability throughout the summer months.

Preferred qualifications include:

** Previous Lifeguarding or Swimming Instructor experience preferred

** Bilingual preferred

Here’s how the Disney Careers website describes lifeguarding at Walt Disney World:

“Lifeguards at the Walt Disney World Resort have tons of options and tons of fun! With 5 beaches, 10 marinas, more than 50 resort pools and two water parks, the Walt Disney World Resort has everything from lazy rivers to wave pools to make Guests’ dreams come true. Lifeguard responsibilities include ensuring the well-being of our Guests, keeping pool areas clean, answering Guest questions, providing information and assisting in boat or towel rentals. Lifeguards may also have the opportunity to work in a variety of locations throughout property and in different positions, including Pool Attendant, Slide Operations and Marina Operations. Certification training is provided and conducted over three consecutive days weekly. Walt Disney World Resort Lifeguards are eligible for paid training with Ellis and Associates, Inc.”

Lifeguards at Walt Disney World are paid a starting rate of $10.25 an hour for shallow water, and $11.25 an hour for deep water. The company is also offering a New Hire Bonus of $500 for full-time and part-time opportunities and $300 for seasonal positions.