JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction of the Assistant Aquatics Coordinator and Aquatics/Facility Coordinator, performs lifeguard duties.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a part-time non-exempt classification level. Incumbent is expected to learn technical and specialized rules, regulations, and activities related to the Aquatics Department. Regular use of independent judgment and initiative is required. Unique skills and certifications are required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Must meet all qualifications as outlined below:
- Must possess and maintain a valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer.
Ensure the safety and well being of patrons by:
- Actively and consistently, enforcing all rules and policies.
- Prevent incidents and injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.
- Be prepared and able at all times to activate and participate in the emergency action plan.
- Alert and correct patrons who are in violation of rules and policies that put them or others in danger the situation immediately while being as courteous as the situation can afford.
- Alert other guards if anything is noticed in other zones which needs to be corrected.
- Maintain designated guard posts by sitting in the lifeguard chairs attentively. Do not leave the guard post until appropriately relieved and/or confirmed with the other on-duty staff.
- Be aware of dangerous areas and any activity in or around them.
- Be aware of young children either accompanied or unaccompanied by an adult.
- Perform first responder care when needed. Activation of the Emergency Action Plan must be provided before leaving an occupied guard post.
- Keep updated and refreshed for all emergency procedures by reviewing the materials often and attending any in-service training and up-date courses.
- Uniforms are mandatory while on duty. The Ohio Department of Health, The City of Brecksville and The American Red Cross requires a consistent and identifiable lifeguard uniform, including hip packs.
- Maintain your wellness by being rested for your shift and in good physical condition. All guard staff will be required to use the pool to swim for physical conditioning.
- Being able and prepared at all times to respond to emergency situations in areas beyond the aquatic facilities when called upon.
- Participation in additional aquatic programs and activities. Throughout the year there are several aquatic programs such as swim meets, swim lessons, movie nights, etc.
Provide service to the patrons by:
- Being educated about programs and facilities.
- Answering or directing questions patrons may have.
- Be as courteous as possible to the patrons especially when enforcing rules and policies with polite and consistent demeanor.
- Be knowledgeable about the facility, programs and community. Relay pertinent information to patrons who inquire or seem interested in the programs and facilities we have to offer.
- Redirecting any questions you cannot answer to the Assistant Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Coordinator, or the next most appropriate resource.
- Avoid gossip and negative comments about staff and/or patrons.
- Be neat in your appearance. Be properly groomed and be sure your uniform is clean and neat looking. Maintaining the facility and work areas in a neat and orderly condition.
- Make accurate reports on any hazards, incidents, first aid performed or rescues.
- Remove and put in lane lines, safety line and chair lift at designated times (i.e. for classes, swim team).
- Keep your work area organized and free of debris. Although your primary work area is not the locker areas or other parts of the Community Center, all staff are responsible for these areas as well. If any areas look in need of repair or cleaning, please make a supervisor aware of it.
- A locker is provided for each aquatic staff member to alleviate the need to keep personal items in the Aquatics Office.
- Music is allowed during open swim and required for some programs. Music is played from the public address system in the Aquatics Office. Only music content, approved by the Aquatic Coordinator, Assistant or the Building Supervisor is allowed.
- Testing pool chemicals and recording results when assigned.
- Maintaining the pool deck through daily cleaning tasks and assigned cleaning duties.
- Other maintenance duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of the content and objectives of youth and adult aquatic programs; knowledge of proper cleaning, maintenance and repair of pools, decks, ladders, starting blocks, diving boards, and other related equipment including chemical water treatment and pool water testing. Ability to demonstrate swimming strokes and lifesaving techniques. Demonstration of good public relations skills as well as ability to establish effective working relationships with the public and other personnel. All lifeguards are required and expected to work as an effective and efficient team with all other employees, and maintain a welcoming and professional work environment; regardless of age, gender, race, ethnic background, personal ideologies, beliefs, or opinions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Conditions include constant bending, reaching, walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time where employees are exposed to excessive noise, sun and wind during operation of outdoor pool, frequent climbing, kneeling, stooping, and bending; moderate mental effort required. General manual dexterity. Occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Some work is performed under the hazardous conditions of toxic chemicals. Specific vision requirements by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Specific auditory requirements by this job include being able to maintain clear auditory attention for prolonged periods of time, being able to recognize emergencies at all times, being able to communicate clearly with patrons, and being able to maintain auditory attention with patrons during surveillance duty. During in-service training, or at any time during employment, lifeguards must be able to perform the following:
- All requirements to meet American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR for the Professional Rescuer training standards.
- Must be able to swim 500 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
- Retrieve a 10 lbs. object at a water depth of 13 feet in a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is generally 80% indoors and 20% outdoors in various weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate, and the employee is subject to high levels of public contact and frequent interruptions. While performing duties of this job, the employee works near swimming pools and various types of recreation equipment and is occasionally exposed to the risk of slipping and falling. The employee also risks physical hazards from mechanical and electrical equipment, exposure to pool chemicals, working in and around chemicals and hazardous gases. Due to the close proximity and interaction between employees, patrons, and program participants; employees are expected to the best of their ability to minimize the risk of introducing unhealthy and or harmful pathogens to the workplace.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Experience in a recreation preferred. Must possess valid certifications from the American Red Cross. This position is open to ages over 16 with a work permit from school. Individuals must be able to perform job responsibilities. Selected applicants may be subject to, and must pass a physical, drug test, and background check. MISCELLANEOUS This description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills. In addition to all requirements, essential functions, knowledge, skills, abilities and physical demands of the lifeguard position, any employees that participate as instructors in any Aquatic Program, are subject to the requirements, expectations, and functions of the Aquatic Instructor position.