Head Lifeguard

2026 Wage $17.50 - $20.50/hr

Job Summary

 A Head Lifeguard is responsible for enforcing facility rules and regulations, surveying a body of water, administering first aid & CPR as required, conducting rescues to help weak or injured swimmers, and preventing drowning or other injuries from occurring.  A Head Lifeguard provides guidance to inexperienced Lifeguards, assists with in-service training, and may oversee emergency procedures and facility management in the absence of the Assistant Pool Manager.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a swim skills test & the Lifeguard Training Course.
• Minimum of 17 years of age
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an aquatic facility
• Completed a series of swim lessons
• Lifeguard Certification
• Ability to perform fundamental tasks on a computer.

Major Duties-(Essential Function)

Supervision & Leadership

• Oversee and support lifeguard staff to ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Assign and monitor lifeguard rotations to maintain effective pool coverage.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for on-duty staff regarding safety and operations.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Enforce all pool safety rules and policies to prevent accidents.
• Lead emergency response efforts, including performing rescues, CPR, and first aid as needed.
• Conduct and coordinate regular in-service training and emergency drills for staff.

Staff Training & Development

• Assist with onboarding and mentoring new lifeguards.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and performance evaluations.
• Address any staff concerns or disciplinary issues in coordination with management.

Facility & Equipment Oversight

• Conduct daily inspections of pool, deck, and safety equipment to ensure readiness.
• Monitor water quality and report issues to maintenance staff.
• Ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and free of hazards.

Customer Service & Communication

• Interact with patrons, answer questions, and address concerns professionally.
• Handle minor disputes or rule enforcement issues with tact and authority.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding facility needs, incidents, and staffing issues.

Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

• Physically perform all skills required of a Lifeguard. (swim, walk, lift, sit, stand, kneel, reach, rotate, climb)
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements: close, distant, color, peripheral, and depth.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold, wind, rain

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)

• Ability to communicate verbally with children, adults, and co-workers
• Required to present a positive and professional image and appropriately represent the City of Brookings.
• Must ensure the safety of patrons by implementing safety protocols and responding to emergencies.
• Primarily works with others

Pre-employment Screening

Pre-employment screening may include but is not limited to, the following:  references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical.