Community Specialist - Lifeguard

ADAPT Community Network; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,929 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading benefits

Job summary

ADAPT Community Network is seeking a full-time Community Specialist – Lifeguard in New York City. The role involves ensuring the safety of all individuals during aquatic activities, responding to emergencies, and providing swim instruction. Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED, current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, and at least one year of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive pay rate of $21.00 – $23.00 per hour and a commitment to an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 1 year of lifeguarding, aquatic recreation, or swim instruction experience required.
• Experience with recreational or aquatic activities for varying ages preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Responsibilities

• Supervise swimmers and enforce safety rules.
• Respond to emergencies and provide lifesaving interventions.
• Organize and facilitate aquatic activities and group events.

Skills

Strong observation skills

Safety awareness

Emergency response skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

American Red Cross Lifeguard certification

CPR/AED certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Why Join ADAPT? It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC, provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. With 3,000 employees, we empower the lives of those we support through caring resources and a commitment to innovative, comprehensive services.

Job Type Full‑time

Description The Community Specialist – Lifeguard ensures the safety and well‑being of all individuals participating in aquatic and pool‑related activities. Under general supervision, the Lifeguard monitors pool operations, enforces safety regulations, prevents accidents, and responds to emergencies.

Summary

The Community Specialist – Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining a safe aquatic environment, providing lifesaving interventions, and supporting recreational programming for all ages and abilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervise swimmers and pool participants through active surveillance, proper scanning techniques, and consistent enforcement of pool safety rules in accordance with American Red Cross standards.
• Maintain a safe and supportive aquatic environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Prevent accidents and injuries by monitoring participant behavior and identifying potential safety risks.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and provide lifesaving interventions, first aid, CPR, and AED assistance as needed.
• Provide safe and effective swim instruction and recreational support to participants with varying skill levels and abilities.
• Assist with organizing and facilitating aquatic activities, recreational programs, and group events.
• Support participant engagement and encourage positive social interaction during pool and recreational activities.
• Communicate effectively with participants, families, staff, and visitors regarding pool rules, safety procedures, and program expectations.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the pool and surrounding areas.
• Complete required incident reports, documentation, and communication in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain all required certifications and complete agency‑required trainings.
• Adhere to agency policies, safety procedures, and confidentiality standards.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1 year of related lifeguarding, aquatic recreation, or swim instruction experience required.
• Experience implementing recreational or aquatic activities for individuals of varying ages and abilities preferred.
• Experience providing swim instruction preferred.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification required.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required.
• Strong observation, safety awareness, and emergency response skills.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with the people we support, families, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during emergencies and high‑pressure situations.
• Good organizational, instructional, and recreational activity facilitation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector.

Schedule

Monday‑Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. + Additional Saturday hours may be required.

Compensation

$21.00 – $23.00 per hour + industry‑leading benefits.

ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and status are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.