Lifeguard 2027

Douglas Aquatics•Richmond, VA

About The Position

A Lifeguard is responsible for day-to-day patron safety, facility operations, and supervision. The role includes performing routine maintenance courteously and professionally, following training and strict guidelines to maintain a safe, clean, family-friendly swimming environment. The Lifeguard reports directly to the pool manager on duty and zone supervisor and is authorized to stop any unsafe process or activity until the hazard is corrected or an authorized coordinator, zone supervisor, or manager approves resuming it. Performance is judged by the ability to supervise patrons and maintain a clean, safe environment; provide quality service that exceeds customer expectations; complete required reports accurately and on time; maintain a positive, can-do attitude; and represent Douglas Aquatics professionally. Lifeguards must remain vigilant, enforce safety rules, administer discipline as needed, and follow facility-specific procedures. They are expected to maintain required equipment and positioning, conduct visual sweeps of their assigned zone at least every 10 seconds, and ensure the pool is never unattended. Safety Break schedules vary by facility; single-guard pools take an hourly break to allow the lifeguard to rest and check bathrooms and water chemistry.

Requirements

Be at least 15 years of age.
Communicate well with staff members and patrons, answer questions, and be polite.
Have good reasoning ability, including the ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and act.
Hold American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR for the professional rescuer certification, or equivalent.
Have transportation to pool facilities.
Be physically able to execute all swimming and rescue skills learned during training.
Have good vision and hearing; corrective lenses and hearing devices are required if needed.

Responsibilities

Supervise the pool and patrons to maintain a safe, clean, family-friendly environment.
Perform routine maintenance tasks courteously and professionally in accordance with training.
Watch for potential hazards and ensure patron safety at all times.
Administer discipline as necessary and ensure swimmers pass a swim test when deemed necessary.
Enforce pool and Douglas Aquatics safety rules and follow gate and age-limit procedures.
Stop unsafe processes or activities until the hazard is corrected or an authorized person approves resuming them.
Complete all required reports accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintain a professional appearance, wear the required uniform, and represent Douglas Aquatics professionally.
Avoid talking to others while on the lifeguard stand and keep the rescue tube in the lap while wearing its strap.
Keep a whistle and pocket mask available during shifts.
Maintain at least one lifeguard on the stand during Safety Breaks and whenever more than one person is in the pool at a multi-guard facility.
Conduct a full visual sweep of the assigned zone at least every 10 seconds, noting unsafe swimmers and hazards.
Never leave the pool unattended.
Call Safety Break hourly at single-guard pools to take a break and check bathrooms and water chemistry; follow facility schedules at multi-guard pools.
Protect against dehydration by drinking water and protect skin by wearing sunscreen.