Lifeguard/Instructor

City of Gardena; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gardena seeks an aquatic safety professional to monitor pool activities, enforce rules, provide lifeguard services, and teach swim lessons. You will respond to emergencies with basic first aid and CPR, and assist with program operations for all ages.

This role requires vigilance, strong customer service, and the ability to maintain logs and communicate effectively in English. Work occurs in a public pool environment and includes safety-oriented duties and occasional trainings.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Experience: (Preferred) 1 year Lifeguard/Swim Instructor experience in a swimming pool or aquatic facility.
• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors pool activities and facilities to prevent accidents.
• Acts as lifeguard and provides courteous customer service during pool hours and events.
• Enforces Agency policies, rules, and procedures.
• Provides basic first aid and CPR/ AED as needed in emergencies.
• Instructs swim lessons for groups and individuals of all ages.
• Maintains logs and reports of activities and incidents.

Skills

Lifeguard skills

CPR/First Aid

Public safety

Customer service

Emergency response

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Under general supervision, provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and Agency aquatic facilities in order to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; explains and enforces swimming programs and pool policies, regulations, and rules; performs rescues and administers first aid as necessary; teaches aquatic programs, lessons, and classes for groups and individuals of all ages; and performs related work as required.

Under general supervision, provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and Agency aquatic facilities in order to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; explains and enforces swimming programs and pool policies, regulations, and rules; performs rescues and administers first aid as necessary; teaches aquatic programs, lessons, and classes for groups and individuals of all ages; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives general supervision from assigned Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This journey level classification is responsible for independently and attentively observing swimmers and ensuring compliance with pool policies and safety guidelines. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Representative Duties

• Provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and facilities to avoid and prevent accidents, and to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; promotes public safety at all times
• Acts as lifeguard and provide courteous customer service to all patrons during pool hours and at all events held at the pool
• Implements and enforces Agency policies, rules, and procedures
• Provides first responder medical emergency response to water and other Agency emergencies; administers basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as necessary
• Provides instruction in swim lesson programs, lessons, and classes for groups and individuals of all ages
• Listens and responds to patrons’ needs for assistance or information and provides the public with general information
• Maintains cleanliness of aquatic facilities; performs chemical checks, light cleaning and custodial duties including mopping, scrubbing, hosing, sweeping, and removing litter
• Inspects and maintains swimming and pool equipment for functionality; recommends maintenance and repair as needed
• Receives and responds to questions, concerns, and complaints; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate
• Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties
• Observes and complies with all Agency and City mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Experience: (Preferred) 1 year of Lifeguard/Swim Instructor experience in a swimming pool or aquatic facility. The minimum age for this position in this classification is eighteen (18) years of age.

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Swimming pool, guest safety and emergency procedures
• Life-guarding skills and methods
• Operational characteristics of water rescue safety equipment and devices
• Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Basic maintenance and cleaning practices
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Ability to:

• Attentively observe and monitor the safety of swimmers and other guests using aquatic facilities
• Exercise professional judgment to act effectively in emergency situations
• Interpret and implement aquatic facility policies and practices
• Work with children and adults in a recreational setting
• Assist with swim meets, rentals, and classes
• Provide courteous assistance to facility patrons
• Maintain discipline, order, and safety in a crowded and noisy environment
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner
• Perform work in an efficient, effective, safe, and timely manner
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
• Understand and carry out oral instructions
• Observe and comply with Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work is primarily performed within a public swimming pool environment where stamina is needed to perform moderate to heavy lifting of pool equipment and furniture, or children or adults who may require removal from the pool, and to stay in the pool for prolonged periods of time. Must possess the mobility to stand, stoop, kneel, reach, bend, climb, push and pull materials and equipment, and swim, while wearing an appropriate uniform with protective equipment. Vision and hearing which must be sufficient to see and hear adults and children in crowded and noisy conditions situations. Must also possess the mobility to work in an office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by using a telephone and radio in. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or to operate safety equipment. Must possess the ability to swim distances, and dive to pool depths, as determined by testing/certification authorities, and to lift 100 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Working Conditions

Employees work outdoors in a pool environment with wet and slippery conditions and are exposed to variable weather conditions; may be exposed to chlorine, acids, and other chemicals at aquatics facilities, as well as blood and body fluids while rendering first aid and CPR. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

License

Must have and maintain a valid California Class “C” driver’s license or equivalent.

Possession of valid certifications in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and American Red Cross Lifeguarding, to be maintained throughout employment.

Vacation

Four (4) hours per month if the total hours worked is equal to or exceeds sixty (60) hours for each pay period in the month.

Sick Leave

Part-time employees shall accrue four (4) hours of sick leave per month if the total hours worked is equal to or exceeds sixty (60) hours for each pay period in the month. Employees shall be credited with forty (40) hours of sick leave upon date of hire and every January thereafter.

Retirement

Employees working less than 30 hours per week will be enrolled in the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) upon date of hire unless the employee was previously enrolled in the California Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (CALPERS). City and employee equally contribute 3.75% towards benefit.

Health Plan Options

Upon eligibility PPO Plan available at cost to the employee. A part-time employee becomes eligible for health insurance if the employee worked an average of thirty (30) hours or more per week over the last twelve (12) months of service.

Bilingual Bonus Pay

The city shall pay each approved part-time employee a Bilingual Bonus of eleven dollars and fifty-five cents ($11.55) per pay period as long as the employee remains eligible for this bonus.

Credit Union

Savings and loan services available through South Bay Credit Union, Kinecta, and F&A Federal Credit Union.