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Lifeguard Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Lifeguard, or Swim Attendant, is responsible for ensuring the safety of people swimming at a beach or in a swimming pool and providing life-saving rescues when necessary. Their duties include supervising swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and saving people in emergency situations.

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Lifeguard duties and responsibilities

Lifeguards have to stay sharp while working and stay on the lookout for possible medical emergencies. There are primary duties and responsibilities that every Lifeguard must be able to accomplish, including:

  • Supervising swimming activities, whether at a pool, beach, or other swimming areas
  • Ensuring all swimming guidelines are being followed
  • Warning swimmers of the dangers of disobeying safety policies
  • Evaluating the safety of equipment and the water
  • Administering life-saving actions when necessary in emergency situations
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Lifeguard Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Harrison Hot Springs Resortis currently recruiting for the position of Lifeguard/Cashier.

About our company:

Harrison Hot Springs and the Eastern Fraser Valley is a beautiful place to live, work and play. We would love to have you join our amazing team and share the high quality of life that we have come to enjoy.

At Harrison Hot Springs Resort, our guests discover a location unlike any other destination in the world. We know the care and customer service we offer our guests leads to special experiences for them. We endeavour to exceed guest expectations and deliver outstanding products and hospitality services. Even though we welcome thousands of guests each year, we will focus on individuals and what we can do to make them feel like they are at home.

Overlooking Harrison Lake, the Harrison Hot Springs Resort offers the following amenities: five mineral hot springs pools, the Healing Springs Spa, three restaurants and a coffee bar, extensive banquet and catering options, Resort Golf Course and Resort Marina.

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities:

  • Reports for work at scheduled time, well groomed, and neatly dressed in clean and presentable uniform with name tag.
  • Opens/closes the building, takes keys and cash to the resort on evening shift, retrieve keys/float in the morning.
  • Ensures float is counted and accurate in the morning.
  • Orders adequate change from linen driver, anticipating daily needs.
  • Orders adequate change and supplies (towels, shower gel, cleaning supplies, etc)
  • Records necessary information regarding day passes and seven day visit tickets, etc.
  • Keeps tallies on hourly/daily admission sheets, including number of special cards, rates, etc.
  • Admits patrons to the pool, efficiently handling cash, credit and debit card transactions.
  • Rents suits, towels and lockers to patrons.
  • Checks First Aid Box and Oxygen canisters daily and report any replenishments needed to Supervisor.
  • Takes and records pool H2O tests every two hours.
  • Assists patrons in and out of water as required, within your ability.
  • Ensures that the building and pool area are free of safety hazards.
  • Adhere to all company and resort policies and procedures.
  • Maintains the rules of the pool with regards to running, diving, smoking, etc.
  • Maintains the cleanliness/professional image of the office, pool area, and washrooms/change rooms.
  • Pool coverage at the resort required from time to time with various duties including dealing with our guests, enforcing pool rules, towel distribution and some lifeguarding may be applicable.
  • Some stress resulting from daily guest interactions (internal and external), budgetary, and time constraints.
  • Other job related duties as assigned.

    Education, Experience AND Skills Required:

  • National Lifeguard certificate, maintained at current status.
  • Bronze Cross Certificate or higher.
  • Basic Rescuer and current CPR certificate.
  • Occupational First Aid would be an asset.
  • 1 year experience with cash handling would be an asset.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.
  • Ability to communicate fluently in English with a variety of patrons at the public pool.
  • Ability to deal sensitively with people with disabilities or new swimmers.
  • Ability to count and maintain accurate float.
  • Maintain accurate float and balance daily cash out.
  • Ability to control cash and credit, and find mistakes as they occur.
  • Ability to apply proactive solutions to situations as they arise.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent working relationships with coworkers and other departments.
  • Able and willing to properly clean / sanitize pools, washrooms, change rooms etc.
  • Being multi lingual is an asset.
  • Knowledge of Harrison Hot Springs Resort and the area would be an asset.
  • Availability for any and all shifts i.e. early morning, evenings, weekends, etc.
  • Flexible to a changing schedule.

    Harrison Hot Springs Resort will reimburse any candidate who successfully achieves the Bronze Cross NL Certificate to become a Lifeguard after successfully passing of their probationary period.*

    #INDHP

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

    Salary: Up to $21.29 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Store discount
  • Vision care
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift



    Education:
  • Secondary School (preferred)

    Experience:
  • Lifeguarding: 1 year (preferred)

    Licence/Certification:
  • Basic Rescuer or Current CPR certificate (preferred)
  • OFA (an asset) (preferred)
  • Bronze Cross (required)
  • Canadian Work Permit (required)
  • National Lifeguard Certificate Location: In person

    • Example 2

    Job Title: Lifeguard

    Reports To: Waterfront Director

    All staff are required to live and teach our Elite Camps core values. They are responsible for the safety and security of each camper in their care and must follow prescribed program standards in order to ensure the highest level of care. Due to the dynamic nature of summer camp demands, all staff must understand that additional duties may be assigned as required.

    General Responsibilities:

  • Mandatory attendance for Staff Training Week.
  • Work as part of a team to foster a safe, fun, and supportive camp environment grounded upon Elite Camps� mission and values.
  • Provide effective supervision and lifeguarding for all waterfront activities.
  • Understand and practice waterfront safety and emergency procedures.
  • Participate fully in the daily schedule and in camp-wide special events.
  • Demonstrate positive attitudes, respectful communication, appropriate attire and grooming, and a diligent work ethic.
  • Maintain an unwavering, infectious energy.

    Specific Responsibilities:

  • Ensure that the waterfront and boating safety rules are followed.
  • To be vigilant while guarding.
  • To complete opening and closing procedures daily for the waterfront
  • To instruct and enforce all safety rules when being the spotter during tubing activities.
  • Maintain and store all waterfront equipment properly and report any issues to the Waterfront Director.
  • Keep the beach clean, safe and orderly.
  • Assist with the swimming test of all campers the first day of each week.
  • Stay in camper cabins and work cooperatively with cabin staff to create a positive culture.
  • Provide supervision of campers in other program areas as required in the daily schedule.
  • Provide cabin supervision during Free Periods and Night Duty as scheduled.
  • Assist in delivering with "Rainy Day" programs.
  • Perform assigned role during the Camper Drop-Off and Pick-Up times.
  • Attend daily staff team meetings as scheduled.
  • Be punctual and respect the schedule.
  • Willing to set goals and receive feedback in daily sessions with Senior Staff and adjust accordingly.
  • Learn and abide by all Hoop Dreams camp policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of campers and staff.

    Required Qualifications:

  • Must be 17 years old or older
  • Valid NL certification
  • Current CPR-C and First Aid certification
  • Current Criminal Background Check
  • Current Certified Pleasure Craft Operator (recommended)

    Employment Period:

  • One week of Staff Training (June 25, 2023 - July 1, 2023)
  • 8 weeks of Camp (July 2, 2023 - August 26, 2023)

    Salary:

    Summer wages vary depending on age, qualifications and experience of applicants. Room and board are included.

    Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Seasonal

    Salary: $569.40-$600.00 per week

    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    COVID-19 considerations:
    We follow public health guidelines

    Licence/Certification:
  • Bronze Cross (required)
  • NLS Location: One location

    • Example 3

    Organization:?The Forest Edge Community Pool is situated at 427 Village Green Avenue in London, Ontario. The facility is owned and operated by the Forest Edge Community Club (FECC), a not for profit, member owned and operated corporation focused on offering affordable fun that encourages healthy lifestyles for the entire family. The FECC pool is a hub of activity for families living in the area, and is fondly known as the?Heartbeat of Westmount.

    Position Summary

    Responsible for the safety of Forest Edge Community Pool patrons while the pool is open for swimmers. Guarding the pool is the priority of lifeguards while on duty. Additionally, FECC Lifeguards are responsible for modelling acceptable behaviours and enforcing all FECC policies, rules, and the code of conduct. Lifeguards are expected to work within the team matrix and report to both the Head Lifeguard and/or the Board of Directors for different aspects of their role, and ultimately report to the designated HR Manager. This position has potential to develop into a Head Lifeguard role or Aquatic Program Coordinator. FECC Lifeguards have verified (mandatory) qualifications on file.

    KEY Responsibilities
  • Lifeguard Duties

  • Pool Operations

  • Administrative Duties

  • Water Safety Instruction

  • Additional duties as assigned

    Position Requirements

    This role requires willingness to work in an outdoor setting, poolside, during the summer months (June thru Labour Day). Lifeguards are required to participate in community events as part of their duties, when they are scheduled for shifts that overlap event times. Lifeguards are further required to plan and deliver on programming related to swim lessons if scheduled to instruct. Lifeguards are requested to consider working statutory holidays, however, are not required to do so. Lifeguards are compensated for all of their time worked, on an hourly wage. This position requires flexible hours and comfort working independently with little supervision in a team environment. Lifeguard positions may be subject to grant funding, and additional requirements may be written into contracts.

    Education

    The following are mandatory requirements for lifeguards, in accordance with?Ontario Regulation 565, Public Pools:
  • Hold a current National Lifeguard Service � Lifeguard Certification (Pool), not more than two years old (not expired).

    In addition to the above, the following are mandatory requirements for lifeguards at FECC:
  • Hold a current Standard First Aid; current means �not expired�;

    The following are preferred requirements for lifeguards, and mandatory for Life Saving Society Instructors:
  • Hold a current?Life Saving Society Instructor Certification.

    Related Experience

    Experience working with non-profit organizations is considered an asset, but not required. Previous lifeguarding experience is considered an asset, but not required for some lifeguard positions. Previous experience working with children�s programming is considered an asset, but not required. Previous Forest Edge experience is an asset.

    Knowledge & Skills
  • Water safety knowledge

  • Strong communication skills

  • Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

  • Program development and evaluation skills

  • Organizational skills

    Apply to Jessica Lefebvre, Director of Human Resources

    Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
    Contract length: 2.5 months

    Salary: From $16.00 per hour

    Schedule:
  • Holidays
  • Weekend availability

    COVID-19 considerations:
    All pool members and employees are required to do a daily COVID assessment prior to entering the pool area. All COVID rules and regulations set out by the health unit will be followed.

    Education:
  • Secondary School (preferred)

    Experience:
  • lifeguard: 1 year (preferred)

    Licence/Certification:
  • First Aid Certification (preferred)
  • N.L.S start date: 2022-07-04

    • Example 4

    Health, Fitness, and Aquatics
    Employment Opportunities
    P.O. Box 1808
  • 2020 Massey Drive
  • Prince George
  • BC
  • V2L 4V7 | 250 562 9341 | [website]
    •

    YMCA Lifeguard
    Responsibilities and abilities
    Lifeguards are responsible for the safety and well-being of Aquatic
    Centre users. This role requires active and strong awareness skills, a
    proactive approach to risk assessment and the ability to take action
    when required.

  • Sounds knowledge of the principles, practice and theory of

    lifesaving, lifeguarding and first aid.

  • Perform lifeguard functions according to facility, health authority

    and provincial regulations.

  • Observe patrons in the pool, enforce safety regulations and maintain

    order in the facility.

  • Active involvement in maintaining facility cleanliness
  • Willingness to complete additional training as a swim instructor

    Location
    Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre**

    Hours
    Permanent position
    Full time & part time opportunities
    Strong preference for applicants
    available from Monday through
    Friday for 8-hour day shifts between
    7:00a.m. and 4:00p.m.

    What you will gain
    Competitive starting wage
    YMCA Membership
    FREE training with one-year
    commitment*
    Full benefits package after 3
    months employment
    Starting 3 weeks annual vacation
    Discount on child care (Excluding
    infant and toddler care)

  • See Qualifications section for

    additional requirements

    Health, Fitness, and Aquatics
    Employment Opportunities
    P.O. Box 1808
  • 2020 Massey Drive
  • Prince George
  • BC
  • V2L 4V7 | 250 562 9341 | [website]


    • Qualifications

  • Training for certifications to be provided by the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre prior to job

    commencement
    o Current Standard First Aid & CPR C certification and National Lifeguard � Pool
    Certification - willingness to successfully complete prior to starting.
    Training Dates:
    � July 13th�15th | Training Orientation
    � July 25th�29th
  • 8:30a.m.�5:30p.m. | Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross
    � July 30th�31st
  • 9:00a.m.�5:00p.m. | First Aid Training
    � August 1st�5th
  • 9:00a.m.-6:30p.m. | National Lifeguard Training
    Paid training requirements:
    � National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard. National
    Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good
    judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude towards the lifeguard's role. National
    Lifeguard training emphasizes prevention and effective rescue response in emergencies
    including first aid treatment. Candidates develop teamwork, leadership, and
    communication skills. Fitness requirements include a timed object recovery, 50m sprint
    challenge, 50m rescue drill and 400m endurance challenge.
    � Strong preference for applicants available from Monday through Friday for 8-hour day
    shifts between 7:00a.m. and 4:00p.m.
    � Can commit to the schedule for a minimum of 1 year.
    � Can attend ALL training sessions as set out in calendar

  • Physical ability to do the duties required.
  • Satisfactory Criminal Record and Clear Vulnerable Sector Search.
  • Three satisfactory professional references.

    Competencies
    In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, and an orientation
    to service, the candidate should possess the following competencies:
    1. Leadership/Coaching � Ability to direct and develop performance of others
    to achieve desired result.
    2. Service Strategy � Ability to identify the needs and wants of
    members/participants as a priority and respond in an effective and timely
    manner to enhance every person�s YMCA experience.
    3. Initiative/Enthusiasm/Innovation � Ability to manage and lead in order to
    achieve and exceed identified goals.
    4. Planning/Organizing � Ability to establish a clearly defined and effective
    course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long term goals.
    5. Negotiation/Communication/Interpersonal Skills � Ability to speak, write,
    listen and secure information in a variety of settings. Ability to cooperate
    with others to achieve results. Ability to create and build relationships
    throughout the centre and the Association.

    Health, Fitness, and Aquatics
    Employment Opportunities
    P.O. Box 1808
  • 2020 Massey Drive
  • Prince George
  • BC
  • V2L 4V7 | 250 562 9341 | [website]


    • 6. Problem Solving � Ability to identify an issue, gathers and processes
    relevant information, determine possible solutions, selects appropriate
    responses and implements and evaluates them.
    7. Teamwork/Cooperation � Ability to work cooperatively and productively
    with others within and across organizational units to achieve common goals;
    demonstrate respect, cooperation, collaboration and consensus-building.
    8. Self-Management� Ability to appropriately manage one�s own emotions
    and strong feelings; maintain a calm and tactful composure under a broad
    range of challenging circumstances; and think clearly and stay focused
    under pressure. Encompass self-regulation and mindfulness.

    How to apply
    The YMCA thanks all those interested in this position.
    Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
    Please apply with cover letter, resume, and
    application (found at [website]) to:
    Sara Lungtoo
    Centre Manager � Vanderhoof Aquatic Type: Full-time

    What does a Lifeguard do?

    Lifeguards keep swimmers safe at a pool, beach, lake, water park, and other aquatic areas by enforcing the rules and rescuing people in emergencies. They’re prepared to save swimmers from drowning and perform First Aid and CPR as needed. Additionally, Lifeguards inspect safety equipment and sometimes double as swimming instructors or pool cleaners. Lifeguards need to maintain their physical fitness to swim quickly and support other people in rescue situations.

    Lifeguard skills and qualifications

    Successful Lifeguards need many skills to perform their duties effectively, including:

    • Ability to swim in several water conditions and temperatures
    • Knowledge of water quality and how to test water conditions
    • Knowledge of general safety guidelines, in and out of the water
    • Ability to perform life-saving procedures, like CPR, injury treatment, and water rescue
    • Ability to enforce the rules of swimming areas
    • Effective verbal communication

    Lifeguard experience requirements

    For the most part, Lifeguarding doesn’t require any prior work experience. Instead, candidates must show proficiency in their skills and showcase certifications. These certifications require candidates to develop plenty of experience swimming and practicing rescues. For busy pools or beaches with challenging swimming conditions, you may prefer to hire a Lifeguard with two to three years of experience. As long as candidates can demonstrate their ability to handle emergencies and are familiar with life-saving protocols, they can learn everything else on the job.

    Lifeguard education and training requirements

    Formal education isn’t required to work as a Lifeguard. People aged 16 and older often apply to work as a Lifeguard over the summer or part-time during their education. However, when it comes to training, nationally recognized certification is crucial. Candidates need First Aid training, and to complete the Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard programs. These certifications prepare candidates to handle emergency situations with confidence and give them the knowledge they need to perform CPR, assist with rescues, and identify the signs of common medical emergencies.

    Lifeguard salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Lifeguard in Canada is $17.25 per hour. Actual rates will vary based on experience, location, and employer.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If a Lifeguard job description doesn’t quite match the position you’re looking to fill, check out other descriptions including:

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    Lifeguard job description FAQs

    What additional certifications are available for Lifeguards?

    Anyone over the age of 16 can apply to work as a Lifeguard. Candidates can complete their Bronze Cross certification from age 13, and their National Lifeguard certification from age 15 to prepare for the role. It’s important to identify if you’re seeking a candidate with previous Lifeguard experience. This is especially true if the position is for a Head Lifeguard or a senior employee that manages other Lifeguards.

    What is the age requirement for a Lifeguard?

    Above all else, a Lifeguard needs to be attentive and observant. It’s their job to supervise swimmers and notice things that others might miss. Lifeguards need to identify signs of drowning or distress and other medical emergencies in the water and on dry land. Compassion and empathy are necessary qualities as well. Candidates need to be confident, physically fit, and should be able to make quick decisions. They need to be strong swimmers, and capable of sitting in the sun for long periods.

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