Open Pools & Schedule

• Lap Swim at Memorial Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 20 - October 31, 2024 (6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)
• Water fitness at Emancipation and Westbury Pools, Tuesdays and Thursdays, through September 26, 2024 (6:00 p.m. - 6:50 p.m.)
• Public swimming at Emancipation, TC Jester, Mason and Westbury Pools, weekends only, September 7 - October 27, 2024.
  Saturdays (1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) | Sundays (1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

LIFEGUARD HIRING PROCESS

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking talented people with excellent swimming skills for summer 2025.

STEP 1 – PRE-QUALIFY

• You must be at least 16 years old by May 31, 2025. Present current government-issued picture identification (i.e., TDL, TID, or passport) upon arrival at the swim evaluation site.
• New applicants or those who did not work for HPARD last summer, must successfully pass a Lifeguard Swim Evaluation for consideration. Candidates must contact the Parks & Recreation Aquatics Office at (832) 395-7129 to Schedule a Swim Evaluation in February 2025.

Swimming Skills Evaluation:

1. Starting at the deep end of the pool, swim non-stop for 150 yards (Front-crawl and/or Breaststroke) -AND[1]Tread water in the deep end continuously for two minutes with arms crossed, using legs only -AND[1]Swim non-stop for 50 yards (Front-crawl and/or Breaststroke).
2. Starting at the shallow end of the pool, swim 20 yards to the deep end, retrieve a 10-pound object from the bottom of the pool (approx. 10 ft deep), return to the surface, kick on your back while controlling the object with both hands, return to the starting point, place the object on the side of the pool and climb out without using a ladder, within one minute and 40 seconds.

STEP 2 – APPLY

• All applicants who successfully completed STEP 1 must apply online at: www.houstontx.gov/jobs
• Once you receive the email confirming that your online application was submitted successfully, please forward it to: Aquatics.Apps@houstontx.gov (write your first and last name on the subject line).

STEP 3 – LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

• Must pass American Red Cross Lifeguard Training offered/approved by HPARD Aquatic Administration each calendar year. Lifeguard Certification is offered through the Parks and Recreation Department for a $46.00 one-time payroll deduction fee when committing to work for the City of Houston during the summer (A $295 Value). *Requires scheduling. (Loacation and dates TBD)

STEP 4 – PRE-PROCESSING

• You must pass criminal background check, physical, drug screening, and submit all the required processing documents to be eligible for employment. If under age 18, a written parental consent for Physical Examination and Drug Test is required. For Vision Test: If you have been prescribed corrective lenses, make sure to take them with you to your processing appointment (Location and time TBD).

STEP 5 – CONDITIONAL OFFER

• After you successfully complete all the requirements, a Houston Parks and Recreation HR representative will make you a conditional job offer, and according with your qualifications and positions availability, you will receive a call from a Regional Aquatic Manager with further instructions.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR SWIM EVALUATION, contact HPARD Aquatics Office at 832-395-7129

POOL SITES

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POOL RULES & REGULATIONS

Please note the following Pool Rules and Regulations designed to insure that your trip to a Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) pool is a pleasant one. Please note: Failure to obey a lifeguard on duty may result in immediate removal from the premises by law enforcement.

WATER SAFETY TIPS

• Enroll children in swimming lessons.
• Keep children under 10 years of age within arms-reach of you at all time.
• Never allow children to swim alone, especially when lifeguards are not on duty.
• No diving in less than 13 feet of water.
• Always walk (do not run) when in an aquatic facility.
• Only use USA coast guard approved life jackets that are properly fitted for the child’s weight and body size.
• Do not allow children to ride on your back, do hand stand or any type of horseplay in swimming pools.
• Use sunscreen, apply 30 minutes before being exposed to sun.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration before expose to a heated environment.

(Downloadable PDF)

2024 SUMMER ADULT WATER FITNESS CLASSES

Cool off this summer with FREE water fitness classes! Water fitness is a great exercise for any age, any fitness level and any body type. No fee is charged.

All enrollments are filled on a “first-come, first served” basis. Register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/Home or at the pool onsite. Aqua shoes, towel and a plastic bottle of water are recommended.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Adult Water Fitness: A combination of cardio, strength training and flexibility that takes you through a series of stations using effective circuit training principles and the latest aquatic equipment for a total body workout. Intensity: light to moderate.

Silver Splash: A water fitness class for mature adults to gently stretch, flex, tone and socialize in shallow water. Intensity: light.

Aqua Zumba: a class that combines high energy and Latin music with movement in the water, a combination that helps participants dance away their worries while staying in shape. Intensity: light to moderate

Adult Hydro Fitness Training: An athletic approach to water fitness training with sports-specific drills, intense cardiovascular work, intervals, balance/core training, martial arts, and plyometrics. It’s a great way to improve your cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength, and endurance with minimal stress on your joints. Loud, rocking music is a part of the workout. Recommended as a great form of cross training. Intensity: moderate to hard.