Youth & Recreation Lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor

City of New Haven•New Haven, CT

12d

About The Position

Apply NOW for seasonal employment! Ideal for college students, responsible high school students, and other community members seeking fun and rewarding employment. For information on Lifeguard Training and Certification, visit The Red Cross or at https://www.redcross.org/local/connecticut/take-a-class/lifeguarding PRIMARY FUNCTIONS The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety, supervision, and overall well-being of patrons at municipal beaches, pools, and aquatic facilities. This position requires continuous vigilance, enforcement of safety regulations, and immediate response to emergencies When assigned as a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) , the employee is additionally responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting structured swim lessons and water safety instruction for participants of various ages and skill levels. Both roles require proactive risk management, professional judgment, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and positive aquatic environment.

Requirements

Lifeguard : Must be 16 years of age or older at time of application.
Water Safety Instructor assignment: Must be 17 years of age or older at time of application.
Strong swimming ability and physical endurance.
Ability to maintain continuous visual surveillance and recognize signs of distress.
Knowledge of aquatic risk management principles and emergency response procedures.
Ability to remain calm, alert, and decisive in high-pressure situations.
Ability to work collaboratively with other lifeguards and facility staff.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and authority when enforcing rules.
Dependability, punctuality, and professional conduct.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Knowledge of effective swim instruction techniques and skill progression models.
Ability to design and implement age-appropriate lesson plans.
Strong verbal communication and demonstration skills.
Patience and adaptability when working with beginners or anxious swimmers.
Ability to assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
Classroom and group management skills in an aquatic setting.
Agility and physical fitness to be mobile, stand, and swim for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.
Ability to swim, rescue, lift, and assist individuals in distress.
Ability to stand, walk, and remain outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
Agility and stamina to perform rescues and emergency response procedures.
Lifeguard: Current Lifeguard Certification (recognized national provider)
Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent)
Current First Aid Certification
Water Safety Instructor: Current Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent)
Current First Aid Certification
All certifications must remain valid throughout employment.
Applicants MUST attach copies of the required certifications to their employment application where prompted.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 1 year of Water Safety, Lifeguard, swim instruction, or related aquatic experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains constant and active surveillance of assigned swimming areas.
Identifies potential hazards and take preventative action to reduce risk.
Enforces all aquatic facility rules and safety regulations consistently and professionally.
Responds immediately and effectively to emergencies, providing water rescues, first aid, CPR, AED use, and other life-saving measures as necessary.
Activates and follows established Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
Conducts daily inspections of rescue equipment, first aid supplies, AED units, and facility safety features; report deficiencies promptly.
Maintains awareness of facility layout, emergency communication systems, and evacuation procedures.
Completes accurate daily logs, incident reports, and attendance records as required.
Participates in in-service trainings, drills, and continuing education to maintain readiness and certification compliance.
Provides courteous customer service to patrons and address questions or concerns appropriately.
Assists with opening and closing procedures, including facility cleanliness and equipment storage.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Plan and conduct swim lessons and water safety classes following established curriculum guidelines.
Develop structured lesson plans that promote progressive skill development and water confidence.
Assess participant swimming abilities and place students appropriately.
Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and constructive feedback.
Adapt teaching techniques to accommodate varying ages, abilities, and learning styles.
Maintain a safe instructor-to-student ratio and supervise students at all times.
Promote water safety awareness and drowning prevention education.
Maintain attendance records, skill evaluations, and progress reports.
Communicate professionally with parents/guardians regarding student progress and program expectations.