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Lifeguard Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: September 27, 2023

A Lifeguard, or Lifesaver, is responsible for surveying a body of water and conducting rescues to help weak or injured swimmers get to safety. Their duties include speaking with swimmers to enforce swimming rules keeping track of each swimmer in the water and administering first aid to injured swimmers.

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Lifeguard duties and responsibilities

Lifeguards are responsible for many duties during a typical shift. A job description for a Lifeguard may contain the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Opening and closing the pool each day according to scheduled hours
  • Regularly treat the pool with the correct amount of chemicals
  • Closely monitoring activities related to the pool area, identifying any safety issues throughout shift
  • Directing swimmers out of water in dangerous conditions
  • Closely monitoring weather reports to make sure guests remain safe
  • Organizing and overseeing pool parties
  • Providing swim lessons and coaching swim team when applicable
  • Maintaining a clean pool environment
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Lifeguard Job Description Examples

Example 1

We're seeking a Lifeguard to join our team. As our new Lifeguard you will:
  • Maintain watch over the pool area ensuring a secure and safe environment

  • Employ accident prevention by enforcing pool rules and regulations

  • Respond to all injuries, incidents, and emergencies as directed by club policy

  • Teach private & group swim lesson to kids and adults of all abilities

  • Assist in the development, implementation and marketing of innovative swim programs

  • Assist in the maintenance and cleanliness of the aquatics center

    The Ideal Candidate would have: **
  • Must be a minimum of 16 years of age

  • Current accredited Lifeguarding Certification or the ability to obtain the certification at the time of hire

  • Prior experience lifeguarding or teaching swim lessons

  • Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain the certification at the time of hire

    Physical Requirements: **
  • Candidates applying for this position should be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted repeatedly throughout the workday

  • Frequent walking and demonstrating and assisting with exercise movements; bending, stretching, lifting, pushing, pulling and squatting are movements performed daily

  • Ability to be in water for long periods during the day

    To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, EXOS requires that all successful applicants shall be required to show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted as an accommodation or otherwise. Applicants believing they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform People Operations after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.

    If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

    We are an equal opportunity employer
    EXOS is proud to be an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws. EXOS provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants for employment who have disabilities. You may request reasonable accommodation, in writing, by reaching out to our People Operations department at:

    Attention: People Operations, Accommodations

    2629 E. Rose Garden Ln.

    Phoenix, AZ 85050

    Job Type: Part-time

    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Application Question(s):
  • Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local law/regulations?

    Experience:
  • Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Location: One location

    • Example 2

    We are now hiring through early summer certified lifeguards with experience for mobile work near you. Our private events gig lifeguard position has high pay and you choose your hours. Mostly Saturday or Sunday backyard swim parties, some weekdays. Accept only what clients work for you. Work at amazing places throughout your area!

    Pay starts at $30/hr minimum plus generous tips. Our clients reward our staff well if you re on your A-game! If you are a professional lifeguard - great attitude, customer service and you know your skill, consider becoming part of our team and truly making a difference in your community, and be rewarded with top pay in our industry.

    Flexible seasonal part-time style hours to work gigs that fit your schedule. This is a great second job. Most of the work happens mid-May through August, with some work available in April and September and holidays throughout the year. Secure your slot on our team by interviewing now to start when the season gets going.

    Lifeguard Requirements:

    1. Current lifeguard certification (or up to date before accepting gigs)

    2. One summer season or more prior lifeguarding experience.

    3. Professional attitude, conscientious.

    4. Reliable car, smartphone, e-mail.

    5. Pass a criminal background check, either recently done within 2 months, or through our affiliate.

    Benefits:

    We believe in paying the best in our industry. Most of our staff have been with our company for 3 or more years.

    Work at amazing places in your area, get food and tips!

    If you want a job with purpose, making this world a better place and great pay welcome to Happy Swimmers!

    Kimberly Lytle, Hiring Manager

    Check our reputation on Glassdoor:

    [website]IE1382836.11,[website]

    Or Yelp:

    [website]+Swimmers

    Pay: $30.00+ per hour minimum plus tips from client!

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Referral program
    Schedule:
  • Weekend availability
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Tips

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Staff and clients acknowledge adhering to local COVID19 regs.



    Application Question(s):
  • Please review Emergency Action Plan and CPR steps of a rescue prior to your interview.

    Experience:
  • Lifeguard: 1 year (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Lifeguard Training certification Location: Multiple Locations

    • Example 3

    New Mexico Highpoint Sports & Wellness
    Albuquerque, NM
    A Wellbridge Company

    Full-time/Part-time
    We're looking for a Lifeguard!

    Who we are:
    New Mexico Sports & Wellness is Albuquerque's leading upscale athletic, aquatics, tennis, and family fitness club, with 5 convenient locations. Our clubs support the lifestyles of busy professionals, families, health enthusiasts and those who simply strive to be more active by providing a wide spectrum of unique fitness and wellness services.

    What our Lifeguards are all about:
    Our Lifeguards are the front-line staff to ensuring member safety while they are enjoying our pool facilities. Lifeguards monitor the activities in the swimming area to prevent accidents and provide assistance to all swimmers.

    Our Lifeguards take pride in the health and safety of the pool areas by checking for proper maintenance of all equipment and making sure all areas are properly sanitized. All Lifeguards have the option of teaching beginning to advanced swimming classes if qualified.

    What you're all about:
  • You are a positive and professional individual with a desire to provide members with an exceptionally safe swimming experience.
  • You are Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certified and can provide proof of this upon hire.
  • Ideally, you have at least 3 months of previous Lifeguarding experience however this is not required.

    Why we're a great company to join:
  • You'll enjoy a complementary family membership.
  • We provide state-of-the-art exercise equipment and resources.
  • We provide the opportunity to strategize, learn, lead and grow.
  • We provide medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
  • We offer company matching 401k
  • We offer short term and long term disability.
  • We offer AD&D and voluntary insurance.
  • We offer paid time off and holidays.
  • And much, much more!

    Wellbridge owns and operates a variety of premiere athletic and tennis clubs across the country. Established more than 30 years ago with one location in CO, we have grown to 16 locations spanning 5 states. We proudly employ more than 1,400 team members and serve a growing membership community of more than 35,000+ members.

    We offer dynamic opportunities for our employees to develop their careers in a collaborative and empowering environment. Our culture encourages managers to be coaches, celebrates results through teamwork, and promotes innovative behaviors that contribute to a strong and dynamic environment. This allows us to live our mission of delivering the best for and through our employees, our members, and our community.

    NOTE: Submitting your resume through this site demonstrates your interest in this position. To be considered an applicant, you are required to complete an application on our website [website]

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend Location: Multiple Locations

    • Example 4

    Job Description

    If you love working with kids, Blue Legend is the place for you. We are currently looking for Life Guard for our year-round swim lessons. Competitive pay from $11-$15!!

    Job Title:

    Life Guard

    Reports to: Deck Supervisor/Assistant General Manager/General Manager

    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

    Job Location:

    25830 Westheimer Pkwy, Suite #100, Katy TX, 77494

    Company Description:

    Founded in 2014, Blue Legend has coached over thousands of students in both Sugar Land and Katy. Our proven curriculum has been carefully developed to improve students' technical skills in swimming, encourage a love of learning, and promote self-esteem. Our locations can be found throughout the Greater Houston area. The outstanding teaching, professional coaching, and excellent management team make Blue Legend Swim School trusted and loved by parents.

    Job Description:

    Blue Legend Swim School is seeking professional, responsible, and safety-minded lifeguards. The main responsibilities are to ensure the safety of patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. Our students are aged 4 months old and up. A typical day for a lifeguard could include monitoring the pool deck during all events at the pool.

    Job Responsibilities:
  • Supervise the people in the swimming pool to ensure their safety. In the event of an emergency, you can make corresponding professional first aid and treatment. You can understand the simple method of dressing and treating wounds, and you can carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation first aid.

  • Ability to communicate the safety regulations of the facility to customers

  • Ability to provide emergency care to clients before emergency medical services arrive

  • Make sure to contact EMS or other medical services in the most appropriate way to respond to emergency situations when necessary

  • Always show a professional image and attitude and maintain a high standard of customer service

  • If necessary, complete the accident information form

  • The swimming pool needs to be cleaned and maintained according to the instructions to ensure that the venue is clean and the water quality is good

  • Need to participate in training and meetings required by all staff

    Job Requirement:
  • Consistent attendance and performance a must

  • Must pass background check prior to training

  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent (required)

  • Certification of Lifeguard, CPR, AED and First Aid (required)

  • A minimum of 6-month swimming pool lifeguard experience preferred

    What We Offer:
  • A brand-new indoor facility

  • Paid training

  • A nice working environment with friendly colleagues

    Salary:

    Part-time $11 to $15 /hour

    Contact Information

    Michael

    Phone: [phone number]

    For more information about Blue Legend Swim School, please visit our website at [website]

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Pay: $11.00 - $15.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Experience:
  • Lifeguard: 1 year (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • CPR/AED and Lifeguard Location: One location

    • Example 5

    Position Summary:

    This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Lifeguard at Saleeby Family YMCA creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

    Essential Functions:

    1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.

    2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the safe-in-six model; completes related reports as required.

    3. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

    4. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.

    5. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.

    6. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.

    7. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.

    8. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.

    9. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.

    Leadership Competencies:

    Inclusion

    Critical Thinking & Decision Making

    Emotional Maturity

    Qualifications:

    Minimum age of 15

    Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen

    American Red Cross Lifeguard (preferred) or equivalent

    Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date

    Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness

    Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards

    WORK Environment & 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.

    Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.

    Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.

    Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

    See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $12.00 - $18.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Cameron, NC 28326: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

    • Example 6

    Job description - Lifeguard

    NFC Amenity Management is currently accepting applications for Lifeguards to work weekends in our luxury residential buildings.

    Duties:
    - Monitor and ensure the safety of all individuals in and around the pool area
    - Enforce pool rules and regulations to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment
    - Respond quickly and appropriately to any emergencies or incidents that may occur
    - Perform water rescues and administer first aid or CPR as necessary
    - Conduct regular inspections of the pool area to identify any hazards or potential risks
    - Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the pool area, including regular pool cleaning duties

    Experience:
    - Must possess a current Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid/AED certification
    - Previous lifeguard experience preferred, but not required
    - Strong swimming skills and knowledge of water safety protocols
    - Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations
    - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

    If you are a responsible individual with a passion for ensuring the safety of others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join our team of dedicated lifeguards and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Apply today!

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: From $16.00 per hour



    Experience:
  • Lifeguard: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Lifeguard Certification (Preferred)
  • CPR/AED certification Location: In person

    • What does a Lifeguard do?

    Lifeguards can work at a variety of locations, including recreational swimming pools, water parks, beaches and lakes. They work with other Lifeguards to ensure the safety of swimmers, perform rescues, and in certain situations, perform lifesaving first aid. Their job is to ensure that guests have a fun and safe environment in which to swim and lounge about with family and friends. They may also be responsible for cleaning the area and checking water quality. This is especially important for Pool Lifeguards.

    Lifeguard skills and qualifications

    Lifeguards may have a wide range of skills. A job description for a Lifeguard may contain the following skills and qualifications:

    • Current ARC certification
    • CPR and First Aid certifications
    • Successful completion of a pre-employment in-water practical skills test
    • Experience coaching swim teams and teaching swimming lessons
    • Two or more years of lifeguard experience

    Lifeguard salary expectations  

    The average salary for a Lifeguard is $11.80 per hour. This information is based on 8,029 anonymously submitted salaries to Indeed from employees and users along with past and present Lifeguard job postings on Indeed within the last 36 months.

    Lifeguard education and training requirements

    While a Lifeguard position doesn’t typically require a high school diploma or GED, there are usually several certifications that are required including ARC, First Aid and CPR. Many employers also require Lifeguards to pass certification tests that include both a written exam and physical challenges to make sure a candidate is able to perform the necessary job duties.

    Lifeguard experience requirements

    While a summer job that can sometimes lead to year-round employment at indoor pools, most Lifeguards don’t do it for significant career growth prospects. For individuals looking to obtain employment in parks and recreation, a position as a Lifeguard can be an excellent way to work within that system.

    Public pools generally have a team of Lifeguards supervised by a Manager who reports to executives within the parks and recreation department. At private clubs or pools, Lifeguards report directly to a Manager or supervisor. Experience as a Lifeguard can lead to supervisory or management positions.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If a Lifeguard position isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, consider these similar positions:

    Ready to Hire a Lifeguard?Build a Lifeguard Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Lifeguards

    What are the different types of Lifeguards?

    Because there are several different work environments Lifeguards can work in, their skills and responsibilities vary. Here are some examples of different types of Lifeguards and responsibilities for each:

    • Pool Lifeguard: This type of Lifeguard works for indoor or outdoor pool facilities. They are responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, checking guests in and out, enforcing pool rules and rotating between Lifeguard chairs to watch over swimmers and perform rescues if need be. They also check the pH levels and adjust chlorine levels to maintain a hygienic swimming environment.
    • Water Park Lifeguard: These Lifeguards work at water parks to ensure the safety of guests. They usually work at a particular ride or attraction. For example, some Water Park Lifeguards watch over guests in the wave pool. In contrast, others work at water slide attractions, instructing ride-goers on the appropriate stance or waiting at the bottom to ensure ride-goers emerge uninjured.
    • Beach Lifeguard: This type of Lifeguard works at beaches to watch over ocean swimmers. They look for potential rip currents and move flags accordingly to instruct swimmers to stay away from a particular area. They also conduct ocean rescues for weak swimmers or those stuck in rip currents.
    • Lake Lifeguard: These Lifeguards work at lakes that allow swimming. They make sure that swimmers stay within the buoys and rescue swimmers if necessary. Some lakes offer limited visibility below the water’s surface, so Lake Lifeguards need to be extra vigilant of who goes in and out of the water.

    What are the daily duties of a Lifeguard?

    On a typical day, a Lifeguard starts by arriving at their work location and setting up equipment. At beaches or lakes, this might mean pulling Lifeguard chairs to the right spots and setting up umbrellas or swimming signs. For Lifeguards working at pools or water parks, this might entail setting out chairs and tables for pool guests, setting up Lifeguard umbrellas and checking pH levels.

    Throughout the day, Lifeguards rotate between stations and survey the water to ensure the safety of swimmers. They also get small breaks to eat meals and get out of the sun. They may also have to clean up spilled beverages, food items, glass or bodily fluids to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

    What qualities make a good Lifeguard?

    A good Lifeguard is physically fit and an excellent swimmer. They act calm under pressure to administer aid to those in distress. They also understand the importance of hydration to stay alert and energized during their shift. Further, a good Lifeguard has great attention to detail, which enables them to survey a group of swimmers and isolate swimmers in need of assistance.

    Job Description Examples

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