Aquatics Head Lifeguard / Lesson Lead

Vivo for Healthier Generations; Calgary; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivo for Healthier Generations in Calgary seeks an Aquatics Operations Lead to oversee daily operations and ensure a safe environment for participants and staff. The successful candidate will lead during shifts, support lifeguards, and assist in lesson execution.

Ideal applicants will hold required lifeguarding certifications and have at least 2 years of aquatics experience. This role demands strong leadership and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age or older.
• 2+ years of aquatics experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations and support lifeguards during shifts.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed and respond to emergencies.
• Assist with onboarding new instructors and support lesson execution.

Skills

Aquatics Experience

First Aid and CPR-C/AED certifications

Lifeguarding Standards

Education

Current Swim and Lifesaving Instructor/Examiner Certification

Current National Lifeguard Certification

Job description

Organization Overview

Vivo for Healthier Generations is a charity with a profound purpose to ignite a mindset to LIVE for healthier generations. Our Collaboratory applies practices in social innovation to co‑create and measure new kinds of healthy living solutions and our Centre is an inclusive environment for healthy lifestyles. Together, we create meaningful impact and change with individuals, our community and for the planet.

Core Accountability

Support the safe, smooth, and consistent execution of daily aquatics operations and lessons on deck. Act as the first point of support for frontline staff during shifts.

Primary Responsibilities

On‑Deck Leadership

Lead and support daily operations during assigned shifts.

• Act as the lead on deck during shifts
• Support lifeguards and instructors with rotations, break coverage, and transitions
• Support real‑time coverage efforts for staffing gaps and communicate promptly with the Coordinator when additional support is required
• Maintain flow and organization of the deck
• Monitor performance and provide real‑time coaching
• Escalate concerns or issues to the Coordinator as needed

Hours of Work

Wednesday – Saturday, 5:00 am‑3:00 pm

Safety & Emergency Support

• Reinforce lifeguarding standards (scanning, positioning, vigilance)
• Act as a key responder during incidents and emergencies
• Ensure safety protocols and policies are followed
• Identify and communicate risks immediately

Lesson & Instructor Support

• Provide on‑deck coaching to instructors (teaching, engagement, class flow)
• Support lesson execution (equipment, transitions, participant flow)
• Assist with onboarding new instructors—for example, shadow shifts
• Ensure lessons are organized, prepared, and running effectively

Customer Experience

• Act as a first point of contact for guests on deck
• Respond to questions, concerns, and day‑to‑day issues
• Support a safe, organized, and engaging environment for participants and families

Administrative Support

• Complete basic administrative duties (e.g., attendance checks, reporting)
• Support documentation requirements and lesson tracking
• Assist with evaluations, but do not own them

What Success Looks Like

• Deck runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule
• Staff feel supported, confident, and clear on expectations
• Lessons are organized, engaging, and consistent
• Issues are addressed quickly and escalated appropriately
• Guests feel welcomed, safe, and supported

Key Mindset

• Support first – enable others to succeed on deck
• Be present – visible, engaged, and proactive
• Safety is non‑negotiable
• Lead in the moment – coach, guide, and step in when needed

Qualifications

• Current Intermediate (Standard) First Aid and CPR‑C/AED certifications
• Current Swim and Lifesaving Instructor/Examiner Certification
• Current National Lifeguard certification
• Minimum 18 years of age or older
• 2+ years of aquatics experience; First Aid Instructor, National Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Abilities Instructor are considered assets
• A clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search completed within the past two months upon hire