Head Lifeguard - Recreation Leader

Head Lifeguard - Recreation Leader (City of Gahanna)

Under the supervision of the Recreation Supervisor, the Head Lifeguard position includes the following duties:

• Reports to the Aquatics Coordinator and Pool Managers.
• Ensures exceptional safety standards are always maintained to protect the patrons and staff of the aquatic facilities.
• Effectively responds to emergencies.
• Enforces pool safety policies and procedures.
• Assists the Pool Manager and Aquatics Coordinator with operating the facility, performing general office duties, managing lifeguard staff, monitoring water quality and balancing, and pump and filtration monitoring.
• Is required to be available starting in early May for training and pool set‑up; the pools are open mid‑May through Labor Day weekend and staff must be available throughout the entire season unless otherwise noted at hiring.
• Leads with onsite supervision and communication; assists with scheduling, training, and evaluating lifeguard employees.
• Maintains constant supervision of patrons in the facility while providing a safe environment; acts immediately and appropriately to secure the safety of patrons and enforces rules and regulations regarding all areas of the facility.
• Maintains active supervision of patrons in the facility while on duty and refrains from distractions while on duty.
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergencies immediately following the facility Emergency Action Plan.
• Knows, understands, and consistently enforces safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic facility. Rules are explained and applied in a courteous, professional, and firm manner.
• Ensures pool area cleanliness including pool deck, building interior and exterior, and restrooms; removes safety hazards, ensures water quality, and reports any issues to the Pool Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and/or Recreation Supervisor.
• Implements the emergency action plan and provides emergency care and treatment as needed.
• Attends all in‑service training including liability, head, neck, and back injuries, first aid, CPR, fitness swimming, and lifeguarding skills.
• Follows procedures for closing the facility due to inclement weather, emergencies, rest periods, drills, and nightly closing.
• Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

• High school completion and one year of lifeguard experience, or equivalent life experience and one year of lifeguard experience (preferred).
• Must be at least 17 years of age.
• Must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard or nationally recognized equivalent certificate, or the ability to obtain one before employment.
• Must have a current CPR, First Aid, and AED certificate, or the ability to obtain them before employment.
• Valid and current Ohio driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s abstract to meet insurability criteria established by the City of Gahanna.
• Maintains high standards of safety in all aquatics operations, always adhering to industry standards.
• Maintains the facility in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Attends all required pre‑ and in‑service training.
• Always presents a professional appearance and attitude and maintains a high standard of customer service.
• Acts as a role model for other staff.
• Must wear the assigned uniform.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Recreation Supervisor.

• Principles and practices used in aquatics operations, including water chemistry, chemical application, pump and filtration, etc.
• Basic recreation principles.
• Water safety and emergency procedures.
• Performing and executing lifeguarding and CPR techniques to the standard of the American Red Cross.
• Conflict resolution.
• Time management.
• Work independently while being able to lead and supervise others and meet deadlines.
• Adhere to regulations, policies, and procedures required by the State of Ohio, Franklin County Board of Health, the City of Gahanna, and all other regulatory/governing bodies.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions from the Pool Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and Recreation Supervisor.
• Enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures to the public.

• Employee is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.
• This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires swimming, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Seniority level:
Entry level |

Employment type:

Full-time | Job function:
Other | Industry: Government Administration