Aquatic Center Lifeguard (PT)

SEASONAL LIFEGUARDS - HOURS VARY (M-F 8 am - 6 pm) Some Weekends

Job Summary

Lifeguards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of all patrons at the aquatic facility, which is used for recreational swimming, lap swimming, and special programs year-round. They are responsible for preventing and responding to emergencies, enforcing facility rules, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. When not actively serving as a lifeguard, they may be assigned additional duties to support facility operations. 

Supervisory responsibilities

None

Essential functions:

• Maintain constant surveillance of patrons and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Enforce all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations.
• Conduct daily inspections of the pool, equipment, and facility, reporting any hazards or maintenance needs.
• Ensure all safety equipment is properly placed and operational.
• Make safety-related decisions, including addressing health concerns, intoxication, or improper bathing attire per facility policy.
• Report accidents, complaints, or facility issues to the Head Lifeguard or Aquatics Director
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and incident documentation.
• Monitor water quality, chemical levels, and filtration systems.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and in-service training.
• Maintain a professional and positive rapport with patrons and staff.
• Secure facility gates and doors at closing.
• Assist with swimming lessons following American Red Cross standards.
• Operate computerized membership and facility management systems.
• Perform daily swimming requirements as specified (minimum 1,000 yards/day).
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Vigilance and alertness: Lifeguards must stay highly attentive to the pool area at all times, scanning for potential hazards or signs of distress in swimmers. This requires constant focus and the ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergency situations.

2. Swimming, physical fitness, and rescue skills: In emergencies, lifeguards need to perform rescues, which will involve swimming with an individual, or lifting individuals from the water. This requires strong swimming skills, endurance, and the ability to move quickly and effectively through the water. 

3. Sun exposure: Lifeguards will spend long hours in the sun, which requires them to manage heat exhaustion, prevent dehydration, and sunburn. Monitoring for the signs of any symptoms for exhaustion in patrons.

4. Emergency response: Lifeguards must have familiarity with emergency action plans and be prepared to react quickly in emergency situations, which might involve performing CPR, first aid, or coordinating with emergency medical services. These actions require both physical and mental readiness.

5. Standing or sitting for long periods: Lifeguards are usually stationed in one spot, either in a chair or on foot, for extended periods, which can be physically taxing, especially during hot weather.

6. Manual dexterity and coordination: For tasks like operating pool equipment, handling rescue devices, and managing first-aid kits, lifeguards should be ready for any situation needing to handle these devices, and more.

7. Policies and Procedures: Lifeguards should have a strong understanding of facility characteristics, rules, policies, and procedures and possess proper decision-making skills in order to properly inform patrons, should any safety concerns arise.

8. Handling Facility Systems: Lifeguards should have a familiarity with all systems pertaining to the facility. They should be competent in all areas of water chemistry and handling chemicals, sanitation, water clarity maintenance, and physical preservation as it pertains to the pool.

9. Proficiency: Lifeguards should ensure the safety of patrons and employees with all safety techniques and systems, including proficient handling of mechanical and chemical equipment, lifeguarding principles, and emergency procedures necessary for the health and well-being of swimmers and other pool patrons.

Qualifications:

• Water Safety Instructor or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• Must have current phone number or e-mail address where you can be contacted.
• Willing to work overtime, nights, weekends, holidays and other non-standard hours as necessary.

Education and experience:

• One-year experience as a lifeguard is preferred.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or currently enrolled in an academic program to complete or earn the equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possess a current and valid Alabama Driver’s License
• Required Current Certifications Include: 
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard (Which includes Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Adult, Infant and Child, and First Aid.)
  • Water Safety Instructor or the ability to obtain it within one year.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires lifeguards to stand and walk for prolonged durations, coupled with frequent bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, and reaching. These actions may be required to maintain pool equipment, clean pool areas, or interact with patrons. Additionally, the role may entail lifting and transporting heavy objects, such as containers of pool chemicals or other pool equipment. Excellent swimming ability is crucial, as is possessing above-average agility, dexterity, and strength, which may be necessary to respond to emergencies or assist swimmers in distress. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This position involves a moderate level of risk and discomfort, requiring adherence to specific safety measures. Some examples of potential hazards include working in close proximity to moving machinery, heavy equipment, and exposure to contagious diseases or irritating chemicals.

Note: 

Statements included in this job description are intended to reflect in general duties and responsibilities of this classification and are not to be interpreted as being all inclusive.  The employee may be assigned other duties, which are not specifically included.