Aquatic Center Head Lifeguard

JOB DESCRIPTION: Head Lifeguard

EXEMPT: No

COMPENSATION CLASS: Seasonal

DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation

REPORTS TO: Aquatic Center Managers and Aquatic Center Coordinators

JOB SUMMARY:

Under close supervision of the Aquatic Center Managers, performs professional duties in ensuring effective performance of lifeguard functions. Assists with training, providing on-shift support, and evaluating lifeguards. Ensures that all lifeguards are fully competent in performing water rescue procedures. Coordinates with Aquatic Center staff in ensuring safety of patrons in and around the pools, monitoring swimmers, and enforcing all safety rules.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Duties specific to the Head Lifeguard position:

• Lead staff through professional attitude and superior job performance
• Directly supervise Lifeguards
• Determine the positioning of lifeguards and the rotation within the shifts to meet the facility/program/personnel/patron needs with the Aquatic Center Manager's input
• Remain on deck at all times, unless assigned elsewhere or responding to an emergency
• Supervising all activity areas including pool, deck, locker rooms, concession area, lifeguard office, water slides, and diving boards
• Respond to whistles and emergency signals from lifeguards. Determine a response plan and/ or activate the emergency action plan.
• Complete appropriate documentation including incident and accident reports, lifeguard audits, and other documentation as assigned
• Address customer requests and complaints in a courteous and thorough manner, involving managers as needed
• Frequent rotations to all lifeguard stations to ensure lifeguards are properly equipped to successfully monitor the facility
• Wear proper uniform while on duty
• Comply with all Village policies, protocols, and procedures
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Adhere to Lifeguard Duties as Follows:

• Prevent accidents by eliminating hazards and hazardous behavior and enforcing rules and regulations
• Perform thorough patron surveillance
• Maintain a high level of proficiency, including Lifeguarding and CPR skills
• Manage emergencies with care according to acceptable standards
• Ensure pool patrons can enjoy their experience by providing friendly, conscientious service
• Must be available to teach swim lessons
• Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility
• Be aware of emergency action plans and be prepared to perform assigned role at all times

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be Red Cross Certified in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Community First Aid and Safety
• This position requires a completed or in-progress high school diploma; some college preferred
• Must be available to work at least one weekend day
• Must be able to attend all in-service training sessions as required

This position requires the following.

• Must be able to maintain a clear line of communication with supervisors
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Skill in the application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical skills evaluation as stipulated by the department
• Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork, such as Accident Reports and Incident Reports
• Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to properly fill out incident and accident reports as well as be able to communicate in an emergency situation.

REASONING ABILITIES:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to work with the public (all ages)
• Ability to prioritize duties and complete tasks within a timely manner
• Understanding of the principles, policies, and objectives of the Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center
• Ability to deal with the public tactfully and courteously
• Commitment to promoting the positive image of Village of Lincolnwood

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is often required to walk, sit, stand, reach with hand and arms, talk, and hear. The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to sit or stand for an extended period of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment varies between moderate and high. Frequent exposure to natural and seasonal weather conditions as well as insects while guarding the pool and completing job duties.

SAFETY:

All employees are expected, as a condition of employment, to adopt the concept that the safe way to perform a task is the most efficient and the only acceptable way to perform it. Safety adherence of performance will be considered an important measure of employee performance evaluation. As such, the employee must:

• Comply with established safe work rules and the special instructions of the supervisor
• Report all accidents and injuries immediately and cooperate in all accident and injury investigations, supplying supervisors with full and complete information
• Submit recommendations for safety and efficiency, as well as report defective equipment and unsafe conditions
• Know their exact duties in case of fire or catastrophe
• Use safety equipment provided for personal use in performing daily work assignments
• Only operate equipment trained and authorized to operate
• Provide public protection from unsafe conditions and hazards resulting from municipal work operations
• Participate in special safety activities, as designated, such as Safety Committees, Job Safety Analysis, special training, etc.