Community Pool Lifeguard Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of community services, the role of community pool lifeguards is crucial.
Safety remains paramount, and with each passing day, the demand for vigilant individuals who can maintain, protect, and ensure the wellbeing of our community pools grows.
But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a community pool lifeguard?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the responsibilities of a community pool lifeguard,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we are presenting a customizable community pool lifeguard job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s jump right into it.
Community Pool Lifeguard Duties and Responsibilities
Community Pool Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons at a community pool by preventing and responding to emergencies.
They need to be vigilant and quick to respond in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for pool guests.
Lifeguards at community pools have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Monitor swimming activities and enforce safety rules to prevent accidents
- Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid
- Perform pool maintenance duties to ensure cleanliness and compliance with health standards
- Inspect facilities for dangerous or unsafe conditions
- Administer swim tests and issue wristbands to denote swimming capabilities
- Prepare and maintain activity, incident, and rescue reports
- Conduct swimming lessons and inform swimmers about proper swimming techniques
- Assist in the organization of pool events and competitions
- Check and maintain equipment such as rescue tubes, backboards, and first aid kits
Community Pool Lifeguard Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a responsible and alert Community Pool Lifeguard to maintain safety and enforce rules at our community pool.
The Lifeguard’s responsibilities include supervising swimmers, ensuring swimming safety rules are adhered to, and applying first aid and CPR when required.
Our ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, excellent reaction time and possesses an in-depth knowledge in swimming safety guidelines.
Ultimately, the role of the Lifeguard is to provide a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for all pool patrons.
Responsibilities
- Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility to prevent accidents; acts immediately and appropriately to secure safety of patrons in the event of an emergency.
- Provide emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services.
- Present professional appearance and attitude at all times, and maintains a high standard of customer service.
- Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility.
- Prepare and maintain appropriate reports.
- Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Lifeguard.
- Valid lifeguard training and certification.
- Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical skills evaluation as stipulated by the organization.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to prepare routine administrative paperwork.
- Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
- Ability to swim at least 500 meters without stopping.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Community Pool Lifeguard
- Work Environment: Outdoor pool setting. Work under various weather conditions. Weekend, holiday and evening work may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pool Manager or Recreation Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time, Seasonal
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a copy of your lifeguard certification to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Community Pool Lifeguard Do?
Community Pool Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of individuals at community pools.
Their primary responsibility is to supervise swimmers and ensure they are adhering to safety rules, thus minimizing the chances of accidents and drowning incidents.
They are always on alert, prepared to rescue anyone in danger.
Lifeguards are also tasked with maintaining the cleanliness of the pool area.
This includes tasks such as removing debris from the water, ensuring the pool deck is clutter-free, and checking that safety equipment is in good working order.
In addition to these duties, lifeguards may also assist in teaching swimming lessons or organizing pool-related activities.
They often educate pool users on swimming skills, safety procedures, and the proper use of pool facilities and equipment.
In emergency situations, lifeguards are expected to provide first aid, perform CPR, and coordinate with emergency services if necessary.
Thus, they must have the proper training and certifications for these responsibilities.
Overall, the role of a Community Pool Lifeguard is to provide a safe, clean, and enjoyable swimming environment for all community members.
Community Pool Lifeguard Qualifications and Skills
A successful Community Pool Lifeguard should have a set of skills and qualifications that ensure the safety and wellbeing of the pool users, such as:
- Strong swimming skills and physical endurance to handle potential water rescues.
- Excellent surveillance skills to monitor and identify potential hazards or unsafe behaviors.
- First aid and CPR-certified in order to handle emergency situations effectively.
- Exceptional decision-making skills to act quickly and appropriately under pressure.
- Clear communication and interpersonal skills to instruct and interact with swimmers, and to notify them of any potential dangers.
- Good teamworking skills to coordinate with other lifeguards and pool staff for effective pool management.
- Customer service skills to assist patrons, answer their queries, and maintain a positive environment.
- Ability to enforce pool policies and safety rules in a consistent and respectful manner.
Community Pool Lifeguard Experience Requirements
Community Pool Lifeguards generally require a Lifeguard Certification which involves training programs that offer theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid.
Entry-level lifeguards may not have prior work experience but should have completed the required certification and training courses.
These individuals may have gained some experience through volunteer work or internships at community pools or beaches during peak seasons.
Candidates with 1 to 2 years of lifeguarding experience may have served at community pools, beaches, or water parks, and are generally proficient in emergency protocols, rescue techniques, and facility maintenance.
Lifeguards with more than 3 years of experience are often adept at risk assessment, group management, and may have experience conducting swimming lessons or water safety programs.
Those with over 5 years of experience may have supervisory experience, handling tasks such as staff scheduling, training new lifeguards, and overseeing pool safety and maintenance.
They may be ready for roles such as head lifeguard or pool manager.
Community Pool Lifeguard Education and Training Requirements
Lifeguarding at a community pool typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Candidates must complete a Lifeguard Training course that is certified by a recognized authority like the American Red Cross.
This program includes both theoretical and practical training, such as First Aid, CPR, AED, and water rescue techniques.
Most community pools also require lifeguards to pass a physical fitness test, which assesses their swimming skills, endurance, and rescue abilities.
This test often involves timed swims, treading water, and simulated rescues.
After completing the Lifeguard Training course and passing the physical fitness test, candidates can apply for a Lifeguard Certification.
This certification is usually valid for a certain period (typically two years), after which lifeguards must renew it by completing a refresher course.
Although not mandatory, some lifeguards may choose to pursue additional certifications, such as Water Safety Instructor or Lifeguard Instructor.
These additional qualifications can open up more job opportunities and demonstrate a lifeguard’s commitment to their profession.
Finally, lifeguards must demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills, as they are responsible for enforcing safety rules and responding to emergencies.
Ongoing training in these areas is beneficial and often encouraged by employers.
Community Pool Lifeguard Salary Expectations
A Community Pool Lifeguard earns an average wage of around $11.74 (USD) per hour.
The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the specific employing organization.
Community Pool Lifeguard Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Community Pool Lifeguard need?
Community Pool Lifeguards should have strong swimming skills and knowledge of rescue procedures.
They should be observant and quick to respond in emergency situations.
Lifeguards also need good communication skills to interact with pool visitors, explain safety rules, and work collaboratively with a team.
Do Community Pool Lifeguards need a certification?
Yes, all Lifeguards must be certified.
Certification courses often include CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques.
Some states or employers may also require additional training or certifications, such as AED (automated external defibrillator) training.
What should you look for in a Community Pool Lifeguard resume?
A Community Pool Lifeguard’s resume should show proof of lifeguard certification, including CPR and first aid.
You should also look for experience in a similar role, demonstrating their ability to maintain safety and react efficiently during emergencies.
Additional training or experience, such as work with children or in customer service, can also be valuable.
What qualities make a good Community Pool Lifeguard?
A good Community Pool Lifeguard is vigilant and alert, always keeping an eye on the pool area to ensure the safety of all visitors.
They are responsible and reliable, ready to respond quickly and efficiently in case of an emergency.
Good lifeguards also have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with pool visitors of all ages.
Is it difficult to hire Community Pool Lifeguards?
The difficulty of hiring Community Pool Lifeguards can depend on the location and season.
In areas with numerous pools or during the summer months, there may be more competition for qualified lifeguards.
Offering competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a positive work environment can help attract quality candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve dived into what it truly means to be a community pool lifeguard.
Surprise!
It’s not just about blowing a whistle and being a good swimmer.
It’s about ensuring safety, enforcing rules, and creating a fun yet secure environment, one shift at a time.
With our go-to community pool lifeguard job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to dive in.
But why stop there?
Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every shift you work contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s create safe and enjoyable swimming experiences. Together.
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