Head Lifeguard

East Longmeadow; East Longmeadow (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of East Longmeadow is seeking a Head Lifeguard (Ellis & Associates Certified) to ensure patron safety and supervise lifeguards at municipal aquatic facilities. This leadership role emphasizes vigilance, customer service, and adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities include supervising lifeguards, enforcing rules, and coordinating emergency responses per Ellis & Associates standards and town policies. Evening/weekend availability may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Lifeguard experience required; head lifeguard or aquatic supervisor preferred.
• Ellis & Associates certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lifeguard staff and safety at assigned aquatic facilities.
• Enforce facility rules and respond promptly to aquatic emergencies.
• Provide high level of customer service to guests.
• Participate in ongoing training to maintain safety standards.

Skills

Swimming

Physical fitness

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership

Organization

Job description

Job Opportunities

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The Head Lifeguard (Ellis & Associates Certified) is responsible for ensuring the safety, supervision, and well-being of patrons at assigned aquatic facilities and overseeing the direct supervision of staff lifeguards. This position plays a critical role in preventing accidents, enforcing facility rules, and responding promptly and effectively to aquatic emergencies in accordance with Ellis & Associates (E&A) standards and organizational policies. In addition to lifeguard duties, the Head Lifeguards play a crucial leadership role, supervising the lifeguard team, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and maintaining a high standard of service for all guests. Head Lifeguards are expected to maintain constant vigilance, provide a high level of customer service, and participate in ongoing training to ensure compliance with safety, rescue, and emergency response protocols.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Reports to the Aquatics Director and works according to Ellis & Associates training and regulations, Town policies and Bylaws, and all applicable state, federal, and local regulations and standards. This position has direct supervision over and management of the lifeguard staff. Work is carried out with moderate supervision, with guidance and direction provided by supervisory staff as needed. Duties require a high level of responsibility, attentiveness, and sound judgment in the execution of assigned functions, while adhering to established protocols and safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Must be at least 16 years of age. Prior lifeguarding experience required, head lifeguard or aquatic supervisor experience preferred. Preference also given to employees with additional Ellis & Associates instructor certifications.

Knowledge of: General aquatic safety and East Longmeadow Recreation department policies.

Ability to: Remain alert and attentive for extended periods, remain calm and authoritative under pressure and during emergency situations, and work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Skill : Strong swimming skills and physical fitness, effective communication and team work skills, strong leadership and organizational skills.

Required Licensing/Certification: Current Ellis & AssociatesLifeguard License and current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED required. Successful SORI and CORI is required .

• A majority of work is performed in typical aquatic conditions, with frequent interruptions, where the noise level ranges from quiet to loud. Work may be performed at an indoor or outdoor pool setting.
• Daily exposure to the mechanical pump room.
• Has constant contact with the public.
• Errors could result in personal injury/loss, delays or loss of service, monetary loss, and injuries to members of the public or to other employees, damages to buildings and/or equipment, and legal ramifications.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is required to communicate and hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Occasionally this position is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. This position may frequently be required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Position requires the ability to swim 200 yards continuously. Close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception are required. This position requires the ability to perform water rescues and other lifeguard skills as outlined by Ellis & Associates standards.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of East Longmeadow is an Affir​mative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Qualified applicants of all backgrounds including women, people of color, LBGTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to fair hiring practices and a supportive, welcoming culture that offers equal career development and promotional opportunities to all employees.