Instructor Lifeguard

City of Costa Mesa; California (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Costa Mesa is seeking an Instructor Lifeguard to monitor pool safety, enforce rules, and may teach swimming lessons or specialized aquatic classes to the public. This part-time role involves assisting in class placement, curriculum planning, and ensuring safe, enjoyable programs.

The position requires out-of-water and in-water fitness testing, certification requirements, and availability for seasonal training and orientation. Prior lifeguard experience and certs are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Ability to teach swimming and specialized aquatic classes.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to supervise participants.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the swimming pool and aquatics facility to ensure safety and enforce rules.
• Teach swimming lessons or specialized aquatic classes as needed.
• Assist with pre-testing to place participants into classes and assist with curriculum planning.
• Prepare facilities for daily operations and assist with pool maintenance and safety.

Skills

Lifeguard

First Aid

CPR/AED

Job description

Vacancies for this position occur sporadically. The hiring department will contact applicants as needed.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, this position monitors the use of the swimming pool and enforces safety rules. This position may also be required to teach swimming lessons and/or specialized aquatic classes to the public.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

An incumbent in this classification patrols the swimming pool and aquatics facility to ensure safe and enjoyable program activities. May supervise and perform work in the teaching of specific techniques to participants in the aquatics program. Incumbents are responsible for ensuring that the skills which are outlined in the course description are taught; assisting in any required pre-testing program to assign the participants into classes, divisions or ability groups; assisting in curriculum planning; providing safe and enjoyable program activities; evaluating participant progress/performance; and completing required departmental paperwork. Work is reviewed through regularly scheduled trainings, reports and evaluations.

SCHEDULE / IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Year Round: This is a part-time position, working throughout the year. Work schedules vary as needed. As a condition of employment, an Instructor Lifeguard must be available for all in-service training, annual training dates and annual fitness performance test.

Seasonal: This is a seasonal part-time position, working during the school year (September to May) or the Summer (June to August). Work schedules vary as needed. As a condition of seasonal employment, an Instructor Lifeguard must be available for all in-service training, and during the entire seasoned worked.

Incumbents will be required to attend

1. Orientation/training - Typically held Monday - Friday, from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., scheduled after hire date. Times and dates subject to change.
2. Pre-Summer Orientation/Training: Summer 2027 dates are TBD. Attendance is required on all dates.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

All components of the selection process will be held on an as needed basis and by appointment, at the Downtown Aquatic Center. To be considered for employment, the following must be completed:

1. Submit an online application. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
2. Attend In-Water Physical Fitness Testing and Selection Interviews on the date you are scheduled. Participants will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability form. Applicants age 17 and under must bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

   In-Water Physical Fitness Test components:

   • Tread water for 120 seconds using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands above water.
   • 25 yard dive and approach swim (head up) in 18 seconds or less.
   • Complete a timed event within 90 seconds, without the use of swim goggles:
     • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water.
     • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound swim brick.
     • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on their back returning to the starting point, with both hands still holding the object while keeping their face at or near the surface of the water for breaths. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
     • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
   • 200 yard swim in 3 minutes and 30 seconds or less, swim goggles may be used.

Selection Interviews

Applicants who successfully complete the In-Water Physical Fitness Test will be invited to participate in the selection interviews. Interviews will begin after all the fitness testing is complete.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must possess or have the ability to obtain the following certifications:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, including CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer must be obtained within six (6) weeks from the date of hire.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
• First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22).
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certification.

For applicants that do not currently possess the required certifications, the City may assist you in obtaining them at no cost to you via a City-led certification course. All certifications must be obtained within one (1) year from the date of hire, unless otherwise stated. Additionally, certifications must be maintained throughout employment to remain in the position. Failure to either obtain or maintain certifications may result in disciplinary action, reassignment, or termination.

Desirable Certifications

The following certifications are not required, but are considered highly desirable:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer

Under supervision, performs lifeguarding duties including patrolling the swimming pool and aquatics facility, keeping watch for accidents in the water and pool area; warns individuals about dangerous practices with pool usage; follows and enforces pool regulations and codes in an effort to prevent patron accidents.

Recognizes, enters water, and performs aquatic emergency rescues in the pool area; and administers artificial respiration, CPR/AED and first aid as needed.

Prepares facilities for regular operation of lap swim, lessons, and other daily operations. Removes and replaces pool covers and lane lines. Assists with routine pool cleaning and maintenance work on or around the swimming pool.

Assists in the monitoring of pool chemicals.

Assists with desk reception, telephone support and related customer service activities.

Accepts registrations, collects fees, processes receipts, and accounts for money; acts as cashier as needed.

Conducts swimming lessons for children and adults as prescribed with approved methods by the American Red Cross; teaches specialized aquatic classes.

Evaluates participant progress and performance and completes required documents related to lessons.

Performs other duties as required.

A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:

Education, Training and/or Experience

Training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities as listed below. Previous paid or volunteer experience as a pool or beach lifeguard or experience in the specific skill or activity to be instructed is desirable. Experience working with children and youth is desirable.

Must be at least 16 years old. Work permit may be required for current high school students.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may also be considered.

License and/or Certificate

Possession of a valid California Driver License (Class C) may be required for certain positions. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

A current (less than two years) tuberculosis clearance certificate by date of hire.

Possession of or the ability to obtain the following certifications

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, including CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer must be obtained within six (6) weeks from the date of hire.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
• First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22).
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certification.

All certifications must be obtained within one (1) year from the date of hire, unless otherwise stated. Additionally, certifications must be maintained throughout employment to remain in the position. Failure to either obtain or maintain certifications may result in disciplinary action, reassignment, or termination.

Requisite Knowledge and Skill Levels

Skilled in effective customer service techniques.

Knowledge of effective lifesaving techniques; and basic and advanced swimming strokes.

Considerable knowledge of teaching principles and practices; swimming instruction techniques and methods; and basic recordkeeping procedures.

General knowledge of municipal recreation, water safety, and aquatic practices and principles.

Skilled in lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED techniques.

Skilled in reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate and professional level.

Requisite Abilities

Ability to act quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations; ability to perform lifesaving and rescue techniques, including administering CPR/AED and First Aid.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Ability to generate interest among program/class participants; Evaluate and maintain participant progress and records.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to perform basic mathematic computations.

Ability to swim the six basic strokes proficiently and with endurance.

Ability to effectively instruct and demonstrate desired skills and strokes for lesson participants.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to attend annual, mandatory pre-summer orientation/training.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 – all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions:

Must be able to pass an in-water physical fitness performance test annually for continued employment.

Ability to lift heavy weights (e.g., a child); sit or stand for long periods of time; and work for extended periods in the outdoors, exposed to the sun, water and varying temperatures.

Exposure to various swimming pool water chemicals, such as chlorine.

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Costa Mesa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applications must be completed and submitted online. Candidates are requested to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

The selection process will include: application review and evaluation, In-Water Physical Fitness Test, and selection interview.

Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the online application process).Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), reference check, and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).