Lifeguard

Eligibility: Must be at least 14 years old and possess the following skills and abilities: adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical physician; demonstrate an ability to swim 500 meters (550 yards) over a measured course in ten minutes or less, tread water for at least 2 minutes, swim 100 yards of front crawl, swim 50 yards each of: front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands on stomach; perform a feet first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet; and perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance.

Training: Must obtain all required training and pass the courses, prior to employment, including: First Aid Certification; CPR Certification; AED Certification; and Lifeguard Certification. Courses are available through American Lifeguard & Safety Training; YMCA; and Red Cross Certification, & United States Lifesaving Association.

Availability: The pool is open seasonally during the months of June, July, August and September between the hours of 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM Monday through Friday, and 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Schedules are set by the lifeguard manager.

Application: A completed Town Lifeguard Application must be upload to your website application submission or returned to the Clerk-Treasurer at Town Hall, 25 Broadway Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

SALARY & BENEFITS: Minimum wage and paid sick leave.

SCHEDULE: This is a seasonal position beginning sometime between March and June and ending at the end of October. The Lifeguard Manager will develop and distribute weekly schedules.

SUMMARY: 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.  This is a seasonal position beginning sometime between March and June and ending at the end of October. The Pool Manager will develop and distribute weekly schedules.

• Oversee Swimmer Safety – The primary duty of a lifeguard is to maintain swimmer safety. Lifeguards monitor water conditions 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 need to 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 a lifeguard notices a swimmer struggling or beneath the water for too long, they take necessary steps to safely remove the swimmer from the water. In some cases, a lifeguard may have to begin CPR procedures, working with other lifeguards 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 and 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.