Swim Coach and Lifeguard - Summer 2026 - Various Mediterranean Resorts

Neilson Active Holidays; Remote; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading holiday provider seeks a qualified Swim Coach and Lifeguard for its resorts across the Mediterranean for the summer of 2026. This role involves delivering engaging swimming lessons to guests of various abilities while ensuring safety around pool areas. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, First Aid certification, and a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. The position offers accommodation, meals, and a chance to work in beautiful locations, making it a unique experience during the summer season.

Benefits

Shared accommodation

Meals on duty

Emergency medical insurance

Uniform provided

Discounts for family holidays

Qualifications

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification or equivalent must be valid during the contract.
• Experience as a Swim Coach or Lifeguard is beneficial.
• High level of personal fitness and swimming ability is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional swim coaching sessions to guests.
• Manage and deliver open water swim sessions.
• Ensure the highest level of health and safety standards.

Skills

First Aid Certification

Communication Skills

Swimming Ability

Customer Service

Lifeguarding Techniques

Education

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

ASA / UKCC Level 2 in Teaching Aquatics

Job description

Swim Coach and Lifeguard - Summer 2026 - Various Mediterranean Resorts

LOCATION : Europe - We have various Neilson Beach Clubs across the Mediterranean

DATES : Summer seasonal, April until November

REPORTS TO : Head Lifeguard / Active Manager

SALARY : Up to £570 PCM gross + Shared accommodation + flights, meals + great overall package

JOB DETAILS

Your primary focus as a qualified Swim Coach, will be to deliver an extensive range of swimming pool and open water-based lessons to guests of all ages and varying swimming abilities.

You will go above and beyond to ensure that your lessons are always fun, engaging and a memorable holiday highlight.

While you are not teaching and as required by your line manager, you will also support the Lifeguard Team, taking responsibility for the safety and welfare of anyone using our pool facilities. You will also support the Children's Club Team while the kids are in and around our pools.

While supporting the Lifeguard Team around the pools, you must always remain alert and professional to monitor all pool area activities constantly. You will ensure that anyone using the pool follows the set rules and regulations, cautioning any swimmers against unsafe practices and deterring those causing a safety hazard to others.

In an emergency, you will jump to the rescue of anyone in danger. You must remain calm, manage the situation confidently and correctly administer any necessary First Aid.

You will interact well and deliver excellent customer service; however, the primary purpose of this role is to maintain a safe environment around the pool, foresee any dangers and prevent accidents.

Working for Neilson is more than a job; it's a lifestyle. Spend the summer season based in one of our beautiful beach club resorts, where it's all about sharing your passion for the activities you love. You'll be working hard, but the work is fun, and there's always plenty of time to play.

We're looking for friendly, energetic, and approachable people who can build rapport with ease. Individuals who can instil confidence that every element of a Neilson holiday is delivered by a team who cares.

Please note : All NeilsonActivestaff are DBS-checked.

JOB CRITERIA & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver exceptional swim coaching sessions to our guests.
• Manage and deliver open water swim sessions.
• The ability to react quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergencies.
• Ensure the highest level of health and safety standards are followed.
• Develop positive working relationships with all departments.
• Tomaintainexcellent customer service.
• Create a pool environment that is always safe for both staff and guests.
• Quickly report any maintenance and repair issues.
• Ensure the security of all Neilson pool equipment.
• Ensure that the appearance of the pool area always meets guest expectations.
• Liaise regularly with your line Manager to order any required spares and equipment.
• Ensuring a smooth daily set-up and pack-down.
• Proactivelyassistingall guests using the equipment around the pool.
• Work in line with your centre-specific operating procedures.
• Monitor all aspects of the pool operation for risk and update your line Manager asrequired.
• Promote andassistin delivering our ‘learn to swim’ group sessions and private swimming lessons.
• Assist the Fitness Instructors with any pool-based classes asrequired.
• Coordinate with all departments to support hosting social events and deliver briefings.
• Be prepared to move between resorts if required by the operational needs of the business.
• Willing to help out and cover in other departments as required but the business.
• Airport transfers : As the first point of guest contact, you will ensure that your team is confident in consistently delivering excellent, personable, informative, and efficient airport transfers to and from the resort.
• Toassistwith coordinating the set-up of the beach and hotel at the start of the season and the pack down of the resort at the end of the season.

FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS

A First Aid certificate is a prerequisite for ALL Neilson Active job roles. This must be valid for the duration of your contract, which we will validate as part of your onboarding process.

You should have completed your First Aid as part of your NPLQ Lifeguarding course, so please ensure this is valid.

Your First Aid certification must be a minimum 6-hour practical, in-person course. An Online First Aid courses will not be accepted.

First Aid Courses

• Red Cross
• St Johns Ambulance

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or equivalent - (This must be valid for the duration of the contract).
• ASA / UKCC Level 2 in Teaching Aquatics, SEQ or equivalent is highly beneficial.
• Previous experience of working as a lifeguard is beneficial.
• Previous experience of working as a Swim Coach is beneficial.
• RYA powerboat level 2 is desirable.
• High level of personal fitness and swimming ability.
• Previous customer service experience is beneficial.
• An understanding that covers the application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques.
• Able to work using own initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A dynamic and flexible approach to adapting to weather conditions.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Flexible to work all the required hours to complete the job well.
• The ability to confidently hold a conversation and instruct in English.

If you would like to gain the required qualifications for this job, please visit the website below :

https://www.rlss.org.uk/national-pool-lifeguard-qualification

https://www.swimming.org/sport/swimming-coaching/

WORKING FOR NEILSON

There is much to be gained from working anywhere within the Neilson programme. The people skills, the life skills, the confidence you'll develop, and the overall experience will stay with you forever.

You will have the time of your life, make a bunch of new friends, enjoy mad adventures, and create stories you'll be telling for years.

Package includes

• Staff accommodation provided on a shared basis - No bills to stress about
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on duty
• Travel to and from the resort, within Europe (subject to our staff travel policy)
• Visa & permits if applicable (UK Passport holders)
• Full training, including E-learning packages
• Opportunities for progression via our jump up / Jump higher programmes
• Uniform specific to your job role
• One day off per week + accrued holidays
• Mate's rates & family holiday discounts
• Emergency medical & dental insurance
• Opportunities to obtain additional qualifications via the Neilson Academy
• Feel free to use the resort equipment in your spare time
• 24 / 7 access to emergency assistance support – Independent mental health support service