SPLASH Program

Scholarship Program for Lifeguard/Aquatics Summer Hires (SPLASH)

The City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Aquatics Division is offering a great opportunity for summer employment. Participants that commit to work 300 hours as a paid lifeguard with the City of Winston-Salem will be provided the training necessary to become an American Red Cross lifeguard for free.  Below is a description of what is involved to successfully complete the SPLASH program.

How do I become qualified for the SPLASH program?

Attend the SPLASH Screening which includes a swim test.  

  1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing
  2. Tread water for two minutes using only the legs
  3. Complete a timed event within one minute and 40 seconds
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards
    • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
    • Surface and swim 20 yards on back with both hands holding object
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Employment paperwork turned in (This is important).

  • One week prior to the SPLASH Screening Process each participant will need to submit the following items
    • Online City of Winston-Salem employment application 
    • Lifeguard Class Registration Form
    • Completed SPLASH Agreement – signed by participant & parent (if participant is under age 18)

Lifeguard Training course (This is important).

  • Participants that successfully complete the SPLASH screening process will be enrolled in a Lifeguard Training class
  • Preparing for the Lifeguard Training course is the responsibility of the participant
  • Participants must be on time, attend all course sessions and successfully complete written as well as skills tests

Completed Lifeguard Training – Preparing to work as a City of Winston-Salem Lifeguard.

  • Pre-Season Training - prior to every season, a thorough pre-season training program is conducted to prepare and orient staff on the policies, procedures, expectations, and performance standards relating to their position.  Participation in this training program is a requirement for all aquatic employees.  You will receive more information (dates & times) once you complete the Lifeguard Training class.  Also, as part of your job, you will have mandatory paid in-service training on a periodic basis.

Fulfilling your obligation in the SPLASH program.

  • The summer season is approximately 10 weeks long.  SPLASH participants will need to work an average of 35 hours per week to fulfill the SPLASH agreement. SPLASH participants should provide management staff with adequate availability so that a work schedule can be made that is equitable and fair for all staff and meets the employment needs of the SPLASH participant.  If there are problems or concerns about this matter please contact Heather Candelora (336) 734-1212 at any point during the season.   
  • Individuals who are unable to satisfy the obligation of working the season for the City of Winston-Salem will be required to pay $250.00 to the City of Winston-Salem for withdrawal from the SPLASH program.  Other conditions that constitute a breech of the SPLASH agreement and would require a reimbursement of $250.00 to the City of Winston-Salem are as follows: unsatisfactory job performance; failure to attend pre-season and/or in-service training sessions; failure to report for work when scheduled; failure to pass a background check/drug screen; misconduct.

Employment Expectations.

  • Attend regularly scheduled in-service trainings at assigned pool
  •  Attend all preseason trainings
  • Remain drug-free
  • Be on time and prepared to work at all scheduled shifts
  • Provide excellent customer service
  • Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, and the public