RecSports Student Assistant - Lake Wauburg Waterfront Lifeguard

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Recreational Sports is seeking energetic Lake Wauburg Lifeguards to join their team and promote lifelong wellbeing. Lifeguards are responsible for overseeing water-based activities, ensuring the safety of members and guests, monitoring boaters, operating a motorized rescue boat, and assisting with equipment rentals at the boathouse. Successful candidates will begin work at the start of Spring 2027. This role involves developing professional relationships, upholding RecSports service standards, demonstrating a desire to learn, taking ownership of facilities, promoting cleanliness, enforcing policies, and responding to emergencies. All RecSports employees must adhere to the RecSports Student Staff Career Readiness Principles.

Requirements

• Successfully complete a Lifeguard Try-Out (pre-employment water test).
• Reliable transportation to and from Lake Wauburg.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Valid American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain certification by start of employment.
• Availability to work 7–15 hours per week during operating hours, including weekdays, weekends, and potentially academic breaks.
• Ability to attend mandatory staff meetings and in-service training.
• Must be a student eligible to work on campus.
• Must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
• Registered students are employed on a part-time basis, up to 20 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in customer service, working at a waterfront or recreational facility.
• Maintain a current Florida Boater Safety Education ID Card to operate the rescue boat for Lake Watch.

Responsibilities

• Perform all necessary lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR skills in accordance with American Red Cross certification standards.
• Monitor the safety of swimmers and boaters on the lake.
• Perform appropriate saves and rescues for swimmers or boaters as needed.
• Prevent injuries by identifying and addressing hazardous situations and behaviors.
• Observe and enforce facility rules, regulations, and policies.
• Operate the rescue boat and conduct Lake Watch as assigned.
• Provide customer service and safety briefings for patrons renting boats and equipment.
• Assist patrons with launching boats into the lake.
• Obtain working knowledge of Hobie Cat Wave sailboats through internal training.
• Answer incoming phone calls and provide information about hours of operation, areas of interest, reservation policies, and special events.
• Support Lake Wauburg special events and facility reservations.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning, including maintaining restrooms, emptying trash, and restocking supplies.
• Participate in departmental and unit-specific training, including mandatory fall training and monthly meetings/in-services.
• Assist supervisors and professional staff with additional duties as assigned.
• Develop professional relationships with co-workers, participants, and guests.
• Uphold and exceed the expectations of the Cornerstones of RecSports Service: accountability, anticipating needs, attitude, and atmosphere.
• Demonstrate a desire to learn and apply knowledge as a RecSports ambassador.
• Take ownership of RecSports facilities and programs by exhibiting a responsible work ethic.
• Promote and maintain cleanliness and appearance within and surrounding RecSports facilities.
• Enforce RecSports policies and procedures to promote participant safety and satisfaction.
• Respond to all emergency situations and adhere to established protocol including pre- and post- incident procedures.

Benefits

• Paid training time for Fall Kick-Off event.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed