What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aquatics Lifeguard w/WSI position at Sunrise Recreation and Park District?
CLASS DEFINITION:
Incumbents in the Lifeguard classification maintain vigilance of the pool, water, deck and other
areas of an aquatic facility to ensure 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; assists swim
instructors in the provision of swimming lessons and/or may conduct swimming lessons 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 performs 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. Lifeguards are either WSI Certified or not. First year Lifeguards usually do not have
WSI Certification. This WSI Certified Lifeguard is distinguished from the non WSI certified Lifeguard
by the greater level of training, responsibility, judgment, and independence exercised in the
performance of a broader range of assigned duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
The Lifeguard with WSI classification receives general supervision from the Recreation Services
Manager and/or Senior Recreation Coordinator and direct supervision from the Aquatics
Coordinator, Pool Manager and/or an Assistant Pool Manager. A WSI Certified Lifeguard in
this classification may provide technical guidance to less experienced lifeguard staff, but do not
supervise or direct the work of other staff.
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 (CPR) 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 defects.
• Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the pool area and aquatic facility.
• 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 sessions.
• Activates the District’s Emergency Action Plan and makes 911 calls as needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.
Once Certified in WSI a Lifeguard gains additional responsibilities and duties including:
• 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 via written report cards.
• Completes WSI activity reports, course record sheets, accident, incident, time, and other
reports and records as required by policy and/or regulation.
• May provide technical guidance to less experienced lifeguard staff.
• 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 cards.
• May assist a Head Swim Coach in the supervision and instruction of aquatic activities
during team training sessions and/or swim meets.
Once certified in WSI a Lifeguard gains additional non-essential job functions including:
May participate in Pool Management training and serve as Assistant Pool Manager on
an as needed basis.
• May assist a Head Swim Coach in the planning, organization, supervision, and
instruction of aquatic activities during team training sessions and/or swim meets.
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 16 years of age. No experience is required, but one season as a Lifeguard with
the District is preferred.
-Completion of the Sunrise Swim Instructor/Aide Training required prior to teaching/aiding swim
lessons if supervised by a Pool Manager.
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
- principles and techniques of swimming instruction appropriate to a variety of age groups
and skill levels
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 manner
- 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
Licenses/Certification Required:
- A current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certificate
- A current American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certificate
- A current American Red Cross Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) certificate
- A current American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen certificate
- A current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate
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 pounds.
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.
Salary : $19 - $20