Head Lifeguard

Join Our Lifeguard Team at Crystal Lake Park District!
Are you ready to keep our community safe while soaking up the summer sun? The Crystal Lake Park District is searching for vigilant, enthusiastic Lifeguards to watch over our Main Beach!

Why You’ll Love Guarding Our Waters:

• Serious Splash of Fun: Protect swimmers and be a community hero while enjoying an exciting, fast-paced environment.


• Skill Up: Develop valuable lifesaving techniques, build leadership skills, and strengthen your teamwork.


• Positive Waves: Join a supportive crew dedicated to safety, health, and positive experiences for all.


• Keep Fit: Stay active all day—this is the perfect role if you love staying in great shape!

What You’ll Do:

• Monitor our Main Beach waters, ensuring the safety of all patrons.


• Respond quickly to emergencies and provide first aid as needed.


• Educate swimmers on water safety and beach rules.


• Maintain a clean, welcoming facility and friendly atmosphere.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong swimming skills and alertness.


• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or willingness to obtain one).


• Excellent communication and customer service skills.


• A proactive, team-oriented mindset ready to jump into action!

Ready to Dive In?
Don’t miss this opportunity to help keep our community safe while having a blast! Apply today and become a Head Lifeguard at the Crystal Lake Park District. We can’t wait to see you on duty, standing guard and making waves in our community!

This is a seasonal position, May 12-Sep 1.  

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Beach Managers, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of the facility patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies as well as oversee the Lifeguard staff on duty. A head guard may also assist in beach management personnel in supervisory duties and assist with in-service trainings. Other responsibilities include protecting the public against accident, proper rescue and first aid if an accident should take place and acting as a public relations representative.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of 16 years of age.

• Current certification:
  
  
  
  1. American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/First Aid/CPR/AED
  
  
  2. American Red Cross Waterfront Skills Certification
  
  
  
  

• Passing tests of Head Lifeguards skills and knowledge prior to season opening.


• Pass the Guard vision screening test.


• Thorough knowledge and application of life guarding scanning and rescue techniques.


• Strong customer service skills.


• Knowledge of principles and practices of beach safety.


• Understanding of the facility characteristics, rules, policies and procedures.


• Ability to enforce beach regulations.


• Prior supervisory experience a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead lifeguard staff through daily operations.


• Assist beach managers with oversight of beach operations, equipment and surrounding areas.


• Perform water rescue within the scope of American Red Cross and Crystal Lake Park District training.


• Attend and act as a leader at all staff trainings.


• Deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.


• Work effectively with fellow employees.


• Project a positive image and neat appearance to visitors of the Crystal Lake Park District.


• Exercises appropriate care in the use of Park District equipment.


• Exhibits a positive image through adherence to uniform policies.


• Enforce beach rules and regulations in a respectful manner.


• Administer primary first-aid.


• Full fill lifeguard in-service requirements on a weekly basis and attend additional staff meetings.


• Keep a watchful eye out for any public safety hazards and report it immediately, or repair personally, if possible.


• Remain alert and businesslike at all times


• Wear assigned uniforms at all times while on duty.


• Prevents accidents by eliminating hazards and hazardous behavior from the facility during assigned shifts.

• Perform 10/20 scan rule at all times and remain attentive at all times.


• Respond to emergencies according to accepted policies and procedures of the Park District, American Red Cross and the aquatic profession.

• Participate in park district safety and training program to ensure that work performed and services provided are implemented in a safe manner.

• Keep a watchful eye out for any public safety hazards and report it immediately, or repair personally, if possible.

• Daily, light maintenance tasks will be performed to upkeep and keep the parks clean.

• Maintains a positive working relationship with other Park District staff.


• Contact and work with emergency personnel as needed.

• Assures Park District policies are enforced with tact and flexibility.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORK HOURS 
• A schedule of approximately 10-20 hours per week will be established. These hours will vary depending on current weather or attendance conditions. Additional hours as a lifeguard and swim instructor will be required. Weather conditions and beach attendance will affect hours of a head lifeguard.

• Due to the seasonal nature of this job, guards are expected to work on weekends, holidays and evenings. Paid vacation time, sick time and holiday pay do not apply for this position.