Recreational Assistant - Newlands

Leisure Focus; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28 days

NEST pension

Free gym membership

Discounted on-site food

Career progression

Training and development

Employee assistance programme

Free parking

Job summary

Leisure Focus is seeking a Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard to ensure the safety of pool users, supervise sessions, and deliver excellent customer service within the leisure centre.

You will enforce health and safety rules, respond to incidents, assist with maintenance, and support other departments as needed. This role requires NPLQ, strong communication, and reliability.

Qualifications

• NPLQ – current and valid.
• Strong awareness of health & safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Reliable and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Supervise pool and surroundings at all times.
• Enforce pool rules and safety procedures.
• Respond quickly to hazards and emergencies.
• Carry out rescues and administer first aid when needed.
• Assist with cleaning and setup of poolside areas.
• Communicate with staff using radios.

Skills

NPLQ

Communication skills

Health & safety awareness

Calm under pressure

Reliability & punctuality

Job description

Job Purpose

To ensure the safety of all pool users by supervising activities, preventing accidents, and responding effectively to emergencies, while delivering excellent customer service and maintaining high standards across the leisure centre.

Key Responsibilities

Pool Supervision & Safety

• Maintain constant and vigilant supervision of the pool and surrounding areas.
• Enforce pool rules and health & safety procedures.
• Identify and respond quickly to potential hazards.
• Carry out rescues and administer first aid where required.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Follow Normal Operating Procedures (NOP) and Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
• Conduct regular poolside and facility checks.
• Report and record incidents, accidents, and maintenance issues.
• Ensure cleanliness and safe setup of poolside equipment.

Customer Service

• Provide a friendly, welcoming, and professional service to all users.
• Offer assistance and guidance to customers when needed.
• Support a positive and inclusive environment.

General Duties

• Assist with cleaning duties across wet and dry areas.
• Set up and take down equipment for activities and sessions.
• Support other departments when required.

Communication & Teamwork

• Maintain effective communication with colleagues and management.
• Use radios and communication systems appropriately.
• Support team operations and contribute to a positive working culture.

Person Specification

Essential

• NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) – current and valid.
• Strong awareness of health & safety.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Reliable and punctual.

Desirable

• First Aid qualification (if not included in NPLQ).
• Previous experience in a leisure environment.
• Customer service experience.

Key Skills & Behaviours

• Vigilance and attention to detail.
• Responsibility and accountability.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Customer-focused approach.

Working Hours

• Flexible shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

DBS

Recreation Assistant position is classed as a regulated post and therefore may require a DBS Disclosure. Where the individual does not already hold a DBS Disclosure, it will be necessary for the postholder to be submitted for a DBS check.

Important Note

This role involves working in a safety‑critical environment. Lifeguards must remain alert, attentive, and physically capable of performing rescues at all times.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 28 days’ paid annual leave per year
• Pension: NEST Auto Enrolment after 3 months service
• Free gym membership for the employee and an appointed person.
• Discounted food and beverages on site – discounted retail items.
• Career progression and development opportunities.
• Training and development.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free parking on site.