Surf Lifeguard

Waco-Surf; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Waco-Surf is seeking a Surf Park Lifeguard to supervise guest safety in a dynamic wave environment. Key duties include vigilant zone monitoring, rapid rescues, rule enforcement, and daily safety checks with strong guest engagement.

The role requires StarGuard/Lifesaving certifications, current BLS/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather. Competitive hours and ongoing training are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age; 18+ strongly preferred.
• Current StarGuard Lifeguard Certification (or ability to obtain prior to employment).
• Current certification in BLS/Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Excellent swimming ability and fitness.
• Strong communication and guest service skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, sun, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist in team extrications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain undistracted visual contact with assigned wave zones.
• Identify distress and execute water rescues within 30 seconds.
• Enforce park rules using whistle codes, hand signals, and radios.
• Participate in a minimum of 4 hours monthly in-service training and audits.
• Perform opening, operating, and closing procedures.
• Conduct daily safety checks of water areas, deck surfaces, and equipment.
• Return equipment to storage and maintain order post-shift.
• Uphold safety standards to provide a safe, fun, clean environment.
• Collaborate professionally with all park staff and supervisors.

Skills

Lifeguard supervision

Emergency response

Strong communication

Physical fitness

Team coordination

Public safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

A Surf Park Lifeguard is responsible for the general supervision and safety of patrons by preventing and responding to injured guests and guests in distress. We are seeking vigilant and proactive Lifeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of our surf park guests. Unlike traditional pools, our facility features dynamic wave intensities and tethered surfers. You will serve as a representation of our resort to a large subset of our guests. As such, a successful candidate will be personable, guest-focused, and display exceptional communication skills.Essential Job Functions: Safety & SurveillanceMaintain undistracted visual contact with assigned wave zones.Identify distress and execute water rescues within 30 seconds.Adhere to the 5-minute strategy rule and ensure that all StarGuard ELITE standards are met.Enforce all park rules, regulations, and policies, communicating clearly using established whistle codes, hand signals, and two-way radios.Take appropriate steps in the event of a shutdown due to maintenance, weather, or other unforeseen conditions.Must participate in a minimum of 4 hours of monthly in-service training and unannounced audits.Essential Job Functions: Operations & Guest ServiceGo above and beyond to meet and exceed guest expectations.Perform daily opening, operating, and closing procedures.Conduct daily safety checks of water areas, deck surfaces, and rescue equipment to ensure operational readiness.Perform closing duties upon park closure, such as picking up trash, cleaning First Aid Cabana's and Tower's, straightening and resetting deck chairs, returning lifejackets and returning all equipment to designated storage locations.Maintain the highest standards of safety possible, providing a safe, fun, and clean environment.Maintain professional, productive, and efficient working relationships with all employees.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentAbility to stand, walk, sit, and remain highly alert for extended periods.Comfortable working outdoors in varying extreme weather conditions, including direct sun, heat, humidity, and rainSufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor aquatic zones and hear cries for help or whistle codes over loud wave generation systems.Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver up to 50 pounds unassisted, and actively participate in the assisted team lifting, carrying, and extrication of guests from the water.Minimum 16 years of age (18+ strongly preferred).Current StarGuard Lifeguard Certification (or ability to obtain prior to employment).Current certification in Professional Responder Basic Life Support (BLS), Basic First Aid (BFA), and Bloodborne Pathogens.Pass rigorous swim screening: 200-yard continuous swim, 2-minute hands-free water tread, and feet first deep-water object retrieval.Strong physical fitness with the ability to safely navigate rips, currents, and dynamic wave basins.