Head Lifeguard

General Purpose

Under general supervision, provides lead-level aquatic safety and supervision at City swimming pool and aquatic facilities while overseeing and supporting lifeguard staff during daily operations. Ensures patron safety by monitoring aquatic areas, enforcing pool rules and policies, providing customer service, and leading emergency response efforts, including rescues and first aid, CPR, and AED. Assists with staff training, scheduling support, and overall operational oversight.

This is the advanced, lead-level classification within a two-level Lifeguard structure. Incumbents perform the full range of lifeguard duties while providing technical and functional leadership to lifeguard staff. This classification is distinguished from the Lifeguard by increased responsibility for staff oversight, training support, operational coordination, and leadership during routine and emergency situations.

Employees at this level are required to be proficient in all tasks associated with the delivery of recreation programs within the assigned area of responsibility.

Receives general supervision from the Recreation Coordinator, Pool Manager, Program Specialist, or other designated supervisory staff.

May provide technical and functional supervision over Lifeguards or part-time staff, as appropriate. The following duties are typical for this classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.

• Monitor pools, water attractions, and surrounding aquatic areas to ensure patron safety and compliance with City rules and regulations.
• Serve as lead lifeguard on assigned shifts and oversee lifeguard staff during daily operations.
• Enforce pool rules, regulations, and safety policies to maintain orderly conduct and safe facility use.
• Recognize, respond to, and lead emergency situations in accordance with established Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
• Perform water rescues and administer first aid, CPR, AED, and emergency oxygen as required.
• Provide guidance, training support, and on-the-job coaching to lifeguard staff.
• Conduct safety inspections and ensure pools and aquatic facilities are clean, safe, and operational.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service by assisting patrons, answering questions, and addressing concerns professionally.
• Assist with operational tasks including documentation, reporting, and scheduling support as assigned.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

There is no educational requirement for this class; completion of three (3) years of high school or equivalent is desirable.

Two (2) seasons of progressively responsible experience as a Lifeguard.

• Must be at least 16 years of age at the time of hire.
• Applicants who are 18 years of age or older and will have direct contact with minors must successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check as a condition of employment.
• Must possess and maintain American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Lifeguard Training, Bloodborne Pathogens, and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) certifications.
• This classification is designated as a Mandated Reporter. Completion of Mandated Reporter training is required within 30 days of employment.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lifeguard Instructor (LFI) certifications are desirable but not required.

• Basic leadership, training, and mentoring techniques.
• Use and care of lifesaving techniques and equipment used at public swimming pool facilities.
• Aquatic safety practices, emergency response procedures, and EAPs.
• City swimming pool rules, regulations, and safety policies.
• Basic principles of swimmer surveillance and hazard recognition.
• Customer service principles and techniques for interacting with pool patrons and the public.
• Standard safety practices and emergency response procedures related to aquatic facilities.

• Assist in the management and operation of a public swimming pool.
• Perform water rescues, lifesaving strokes, and emergency first aid techniques in accordance with certification standards.
• Administer CPR, First Aid, AED, and emergency oxygen as required.
• Learn, understand, explain, and consistently enforce City swimming pool rules, regulations, and policies.
• Recognize emergency situations and follow established EAPs to ensure public and staff safety.
• Lead staff through emergency situations in accordance with established EAPs.
• Prepare reports related to pool management and…