JOB DESCRIPTION FOR LIFEGUARD

 

Summary

The Lifeguard is a paid employee who serves for the summer season, assisting the Waterfront Director in providing safe and healthy operations of the swimming pool, boating lake and other water-based activities. The Lifeguard prepares and cleans the pool, beach, boats, and adjacent facilities. S/he cares for the safety of the swimmers and boaters according to established procedures. S/he also serves in another secondary department. The specific responsibilities of the Lifeguard vary from session to session depending on the specific needs of the program and waterfront activities.

 

Duration

The Lifeguard serves during the summer season as determined by the Center’s programs and needs.

 

Employed and Supervised by

The Lifeguard is employed by Hope Conference and Renewal Center and is supervised by the Waterfront Director in consultation with the Center Administrator.

 

Responsibilities

The Lifeguard provides clean areas, conducts swim tests, supervises pool and lake activities, and attends to other duties assigned by the Waterfront Director. The Lifeguard also serves in a secondary department as determined by the Center’s needs and his/her talents or skills.

 

A. General Planning, Preparations and Staff Communications

The Lifeguard cooperatively works with all other weekly volunteer and summer-long paid staff. S/he fully participates in the Summer-Long Staff Training as well as daily and weekly staff meetings. The Lifeguard cooperates and communicates with the Waterfront Director on a regular basis and follows the instructions of him/her. S/he completes reports as required. When the Lifeguard serves in another department, s/he receives direction for the Summer Staff Supervisor and Center Administrator.

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B. Waterfront Preparation, Cleanliness and Repair

The Lifeguard daily cleans and checks the pool, poolhouse, poolhouse bathrooms, beach, and lifeguarding equipment. S/he wears clothing to identify him/her self as a lifeguard. The Lifeguard helps to conduct swim tests for all participants in youth programs (staff and campers) before their first recreational swim or boating, and records, in writing, the swimming ability level of each.

The Lifeguard becomes familiar with each youth camper and his/her swimming ability. The Lifeguard regularly examines all equipment and reports damages to the Waterfront Director.

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C. Safety

The Lifeguard enforces the procedures and rules established by the Center Administrator and Waterfront Director for the swimmer’s/boater’s safety, alarm calls and whistles, lifesaving procedures, and buddy checks. The Lifeguard ensures that all boaters wear approved personal flotation devices (“life jackets”) and are aware of boating rules. S/he is expected to maintain the standards of the New Jersey Department of Health.

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D. Policy and Procedures

The Lifeguard personally follows, adheres to and models all policies and procedures of the Center, including the Personnel Policies, Discipline Policy, Emergency Procedures, and Guidelines. S/he encourages other staff to do the same.

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E. Other Responsibilities

The Lifeguard seeks time for personal devotions and Christian meditation. S/he also serves in a secondary, non-programmatic department, i.e., kitchen or maintenance. The Lifeguard completes written evaluation(s) of his/her and other staff performance as requested. S/he does other duties as requested by the Center Administrator.

 

Qualifications

A. Has demonstrated skills and abilities in:

1. Swimming and lifesaving techniques.

2. Record keeping appropriate for the position.

3. Cooperative (group) problem-solving.

4. Caring and supportive personality.

5. Making decisions based upon Christian principles and Hope Center philosophy, rules and regulations.

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B. Possess or be:

1. Commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.

2. Willing to become familiar with the Moravian Church and its beliefs.

3. Active in a Christian Church.

4. Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certification form the American Red Cross (or similar organization)

5. Minimum of age 16 (age 17 and high school graduate preferred). 

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Other Information

• As with all Weekly and Summer-Long Staff, a Covenant (contract) is issued for signature to the Lifeguard by the Center Administrator on behalf of the Hope Center Management Board. 

• Remunerations: salary, workers’ compensation, staff shirt, training, and reimbursement for approved expenses. Guaranteed minimum of 24 consecutive hours off per week and at least 2 hours break per day.