Lifeguard

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Supervisor, lifeguards are responsible for working directly with the public in the high-risk area of aquatics. Lifeguards play an integral role in the risk management team and maintaining the safety of the public in and around the water. The staff is representative of the philosophy, mission, and goal of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation Department and its aquatics program. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation Department.

Job Duties

DECISION MAKING AND JUDGMENT

• Responsible for patrolling assigned area, being alert on duty, completing rotations on schedule
• Considerable judgment and resourcefulness required
• Must deal with emergency situations and perform necessary rescues
• Displaying a high level of professionalism by devoting attention to task at hand and not being distracted while performing duties on stand or on deck
• Ability to adjust and make split minute decisions in a constantly evolving work environment based on conditions such as weather, bather loads, policy changes, and departmental changes.
• Effectively communicate with the public in regard to patrons concerns and correct inappropriate behavior immediately
• Receive directions and constructive feedback from Head Lifeguard, Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Supervisor & other Recreational Supervisors

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Helping maintain pool & beach area, including cleaning facilities, proper storage of equipment, checking chemicals, and fully completing all necessary records
• Properly storing and maintain all aquatics equipment including daily safety checks
• Performing all safety checks, bathroom checks, and audits in a timely manner
• Practicing skills on daily rotations to ensure up-to-date knowledge
• Set-up and take down of assigned areas daily
• Wearing proper uniform and swimsuit daily
• Must be available to work all shifts and locations (including but not limited to weekends, holidays, nights, waterfront, pool, etc.)
• Must attend all required trainings and in-services as assigned by Aquatics Coordinator and Aquatics Supervisor

SUPERVISION

• Responsible for scanning and watching patrons in the aquatic facilities at all times
• Quickly respond to emergency situations and active facility Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• If Head Lifeguard or Aquatics Coordinator is unavailable, responsible for selecting, instructing, directing, and supervising the flow of work
• Ensuring safety checks are done while on down shifts by performing bathroom walk-through and completing cleaning tasks

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be motivated and able to implement oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to communicate respectfully and effectively with superiors, co-workers, members, parents, and children.
• Must be mentally prepared to handle emergency situations and rescues
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances
• Ability to hear noises and distress signals
• Must be able to move to various locations, including in and out of an elevated chair
• Must be able to evaluate situations and make decisions within established policies and standards
• Requires frequent heavy lifting and moving of equipment and supplies
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in an emergency

ACCURACY

• Requires accurate record keeping for programs

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

• Requires considerable attention and alertness to safety hazards
• Must be able to take on a leadership role in matters of safety

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Interpret and enforce pool rules and policies to ensure safety of all participants and swimmers
• Execute emergency procedures as needed
• Promote the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation aquatics programs
• Lock and secure all pool doors when pool is closed
• Keep accurate records of attendance, chemical reading, and incident reports
• Report any issues to the Head Lifeguard/Aquatics Coordinator immediately
• Be an ambassador and committed member of the aquatics team
• Other related duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Adheres to all policies and procedures stated in the City of McHenry Employee Handbook Must be able to be participate in activities
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in emergency situations
• Candidate must be energetic, outgoing, and interested in being a positive role model
• Candidate must possess strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Candidate must possess ability to be flexible and adjust to changing work environment
• Candidate must possess creativity, initiative, and willingness to learn and implement new ideas
• Candidate must be certified in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years old
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard & Waterfront Certification
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid
• Must demonstrate and correctly perform rescues and lifeguard skills prior to first day of season
• Preferred previous experience in an aquatics field as a participant, instructor, or staff (minimum 1 year)
• Knowledge of pool operations and record keeping
• Willingness to project the City of McHenry image by personal adherence to all policies
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and administer all policies, established by the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department, to all members, employees, and volunteers

The City of McHenry is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.