Lifeguard

14 days ago

Description

The Town of Cathlamet is now accepting applications for the position of Seasonal Lifeguard. 

This is a part-time position at the hourly rate of $17.13, plus paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per WA state law. No other benefits are offered in this position. Returning guards may receive up to an additional $0.50 per hour. Applicants must be at least 14 years old and hold or obtain a CPR/AED/First Aid and Lifeguard Certification through required training. Applicants must be available to attend any required training when specified.

Submit a completed application no later than 12:30 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to Town Hall, 25 Broadway Street, PO Box 68, Cathlamet, WA 98612, online by clicking "apply now" and attaching completed documents as an upload, or via email to accounting@townofcathlamet.com. Please note that Town Hall will be relocating to 100 Main Street sometime in late March.

The Town of Cathlamet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Employment Application

Requirements

Lifeguards are required to pay excellent attention to their surroundings, have strong swimming skill, ensure swimmer safety, enforce safety rules, monitor the water for danger and rescue swimmers. Must have the ability to act quickly in emergencies, perform CPR on swimmers who have inhaled water and maintain detailed records of incidents that occur at the pool. Ensuring the facility is cleaned daily, all testing is performed in a timely manner, and follow any other directions exercised by the Pool Manager or Superintendent.

SUPERVISION: Lifeguards work under the direction and supervision of the Pool Manager and reports to the Superintendent as needed. The Clerk-Treasurer oversees all financial affairs, deposits, payroll and reporting.

Skills & Abilities

  • Must be at least 15 years old; 14-year-olds may apply with some job restrictions
  • Possess adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical physician.
  • Demonstrate ability to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing; tread water for two minutes using your legs only; in one minute, 40 seconds or less: swim 20 yards, surface dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 lb brick, and return to start without the brick re-entering water; perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance.
  • Must obtain all required training and pass the courses, prior to employment, including: First Aid Certification; CPR Certification; AED Certification; and Lifeguard Certification.

Salary & Schedule

This is a part-time position at the hourly rate of $17.13, plus paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per WA state law. No other benefits are offered in this position. Returning guards may receive up to an additional $0.50 per hour. 

This is a seasonal position beginning sometime between May and/or June and ending sometime between the end of August and/or October. The Pool Manager will develop and distribute weekly schedules.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee Swimmer Safety – The primary duty of a lifeguard is to maintain swimmer safety. Lifeguards monitor waterconditions and guest behavior, enforcing safety rules and paying close attention to swimmer activities and behavior.Lifeguards may issue warnings when a visitor is creating an unsafe environment and may determine when they needto ask a guest to leave. Lifeguards may also assist new swimmers to help them safely enjoy the water.
  • Conduct Rescue Operations – Lifeguards prevent death and injury by rescuing swimmers from the water. If alifeguard notices a swimmer struggling or beneath the water for too long, they take necessary steps to safely removethe swimmer from the water. In some cases, a lifeguard may have to begin CPR procedures, working with otherlifeguards to contact emergency services personnel and provide assistance to the swimmer.
  • Organize Pool Activities – Some lifeguards support visitors by organizing activities in and around the pool, including pool parties, lessons and classes. Lifeguards work closely with supervisors and other lifeguards to schedule and oversee these activities, which may occur outside of regular swimming hours, and ensure that participants have a safe and positive experience while visiting the pool.
  • Monitor Hazardous Conditions – Lifeguards maintain overall safety by monitoring weather and water conditions for signs of danger or contamination. Lifeguards take steps to close the swimming area if they determine that conditions are hazardous to swimmers.
  • Open/Close Pool – Many lifeguards are responsible for opening and closing the facility and swimming areas, this can include removing the pool cover, attaching guides and guards, and checking water condition before the pool opens to swimmers. The facility and swimming area must be restored to opening condition and locked each night for the following business day.
  • Contribute to Maintenance & Upkeep – Lifeguards may also contribute to maintenance and upkeep activities in and around the pool so visitors can enjoy a safe and clean environment. This can include cleaning up walkways around a pool, adding chemicals according to safety guidelines, regularly cleaning pool water and surfaces, and cleaning other public areas like showers, restrooms, benches, supply and toy closets, and garbage receptacles.
  • Any other duties as assigned.
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