In an effort to attract additional lifeguards for this Summer, the Chicago Park District announced it will increase the recruitment and retention bonus to $600 for new seasonal lifeguard applicants, and existing lifeguards and will also extend a $500 bonus for existing District employees who refer qualified candidates to work as lifeguards this Summer. Seasonal guards, who qualify, will have the opportunity to secure year-round employment status after the summer ends. Additionally, the District will temporarily relax the residency requirement for non-city residents who apply for seasonal lifeguard positions this summer. The Chicago Park District is actively recruiting residents, ages 16 and older, to fill Summer positions, including seasonal lifeguards. These positions are vital to fully staffing and keeping city’s beaches and park pools safe. The current hourly wage for lifeguards is $15.88/hour. The $600 retention bonus would raise the average current wage to an equivalent of $17.08/hour and would be shared with all new hires, returning seasonal and year-round lifeguards. To combat the national shortage and boost lifeguard recruitment, the Chicago Park District launched “I am a Chicago Lifeguard”, a campaign highlighting the skilled and dedicated lifeguards who make aquatics programming and recreational opportunities in our great city possible. For more information on the application process, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.