Lifeguard

CLASS DEFINITION:

Incumbents in the Lifeguard classification maintain vigilance of the pool, water, deck and other areas of an aquatic facility to insure the safety of all pool visitors through enforcement of pool rules and regulations during public swim, special events, swim lessons and other aquatics activities; perform swimming rescues, first aid and CPR as needed; respond to other emergencies as they occur, activating the District’s Emergency Action plan and calling 911, as appropriate; assist swim instructors in the provision of swimming lessons and/or may conduct swimming lessons once they have completed Sunrise Swim Instructor training and under the direct supervision of a Pool Manager; participates in aquatic in-service trainings; may assist a Head Swim Coach in the supervision and instruction of aquatic activities during team training sessions and/or swim meets; and perform related work as assigned or required. Additionally, once certified in WSI a Lifeguard can create swim lesson plans and provide guidance to less experienced lifeguard staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Incumbents in the Lifeguard classification are part-time seasonal employees and may not advance to permanent status in any District job classification. Hours of work vary based on the staffing needs of the District. The WSI Certified Lifeguard is distinguished from the non WSI certified Lifeguard by the greater level of training, responsibility, judgement, and independence exercised in the performance of a broader range of assigned duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

The Lifeguard classification receives general supervision from the Senior Recreation Coordinator and direct supervision from the Pool Manager and/or an Assistant Pool Manager. A WSI certified lifeguard in this classification may provide technical guidance to less experienced lifeguard, but do not supervise or direct the work of others.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Maintains constant surveillance as assigned to safeguard swimmers from drowning and other accidents.

• Maintains discipline and orderly conduct among patrons by enforcing all facility rules and District policies.

• Promotes and enforces water safety procedures; rescues and resuscitates drowning persons as needed; and provides care using the latest American Red Cross techniques in lifeguarding, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R) to persons in need of assistance.

• On a daily basis, sets up or takes down and stores pool and safety equipment as appropriate to assigned shift; tests water chemicals prior to pool use to ensure the safety of patrons and staff; inspects pool and deck area for possible safety hazards, and inspects waterslide for possible

• Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the pool area and aquatic

• Assists swim instructors in the supervision and instruction of swim class participants; and may conduct swimming classes under the direct supervision of a WSI-certified staff member.

• Attends and participates in job related in-service training

• Activates the District’s Emergency Action Plan and makes 911 calls as

• Performs other job-related duties as required

Once a Lifeguard has completed Sunrise Swim Instructor Training, they may gain additional responsibilities and duties:

• Creates lesson plans and conducts classes on water safety and individual stroke mechanics for

• Assesses and communicates the ability and progress of each class participant to respective participants and/or parents orally and via written report

• Completes report cards for swimming class participants, course record sheets, accident, incident, time and other reports and records as required by policy and/or

• May provide technical guidance to less-experienced lifeguard

• Performs other job-related duties as required

EXAMPLES OF NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Under the direct supervision of a Pool Manager, creates lesson plans and conducts classes on water safety and individual stroke mechanics for students; assesses and communicates the ability and progress of each class participant to respective participants and/or parents orally and on report

• May assist a Head Swim Coach in the supervision and instruction of aquatic activities during team training sessions and/or swim meets

• May assist a Head Swim Coach in the planning, organization, supervision and instruction of aquatic activities during team training sessions and/or swim

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical path to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and Experience Guidelines:

Must be at least 15 years of age. No prior experience is required, but completion of the Sunrise Swim Instructor Aide Course is required prior to aiding swim lessons.

Lifeguards may also take the Sunrise Swim Instructor Course and teach swim lessons if supervised by a Pool Manager.

Licenses/Certification Required:

• A current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certificate


• A current American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certificate


• A current American Red Cross Title 22 First Aid for Public Personnel certificate


• A current American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen certificate

Knowledge of:

• current and preventive lifeguarding techniques


• principles and practices of water safety and swimming rescue techniques


• proper stroke mechanics


• principles and techniques of first aid and CPR


• instruction techniques and materials and equipment used in aquatic activities


• principles and techniques of effective interpersonal communication, public relations and customer service

Ability to:

• swim with proficiency and endurance


• prevent accidents and perform swimming rescues, CPR, and first aid


• understand and follow oral and written instructions


• learn, understand, and explain District and program policies and procedures


• effectively communicate orally and in writing


• exercise tact, judgment and patience in dealing with the public and other District staff


• establish and maintain effective work relationships with people of all ages during the performance of work duties


• prepare routine written reports


• can assist with or lead swim lessons


• maintain the cleanliness and organization of the aquatic facility and contents


• perform essential duties of job without causing harm to self or others


• respond to emergencies in a calm, professional, and safe manor

Once a Lifeguard has completed the Sunrise Swim Instructor Course, and under the direct supervision of a Pool Manager, they may have additional abilities to:

• organize and instruct swimming and water safety classes


• know understand, and explain District and program policies and procedures


• prepare a variety of written reports and records 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environmental Conditions:

The essential duties of this job are primarily performed in an outdoor environment, on slippery wet surfaces with exposure to varying climate and temperature conditions including exposure to sunlight; with continuous contact with facility patrons and frequent contact with other District staff; with hands and body immersed in water; and with daily exposure to constant loud noise and chemicals in the air, water, and on the skin. Some essential duties, such as cleaning restrooms and completing paperwork are performed indoors. Incumbents work various shifts including weekends and evenings.

Physical Conditions:

Essential duties of this job require the ability to frequently: sit for extended periods; use both hands, legs and feet to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk and swim; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling on wet, slippery surfaces; use finger dexterity; grasp objects using fingers and palm of hand; feel the attributes of objects by touch; speak to verbally exchange information; hear to receive detailed verbal information; see to within one foot to fifty yards and differentiate basic colors and shades of color; use hands and arms to reach in any direction; and on a daily basis lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds, carry objects weighing between 5 to 10 pounds; push objects weighing between 15 and 20 pounds, pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds and reach for objects weighing up to 5 pounds, occasionally submerge in up to 13 feet of water; and rarely move objects weighing over 50 lbs.

OTHER:

FLSA STATUS:             Non-Exempt

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an inclusive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of incumbents. In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.