Lifeguard

2026 Wage Range $16 - $19/hr

Job Summary

A 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a swim skills test & the Lifeguard Training Course.
• Minimum of 15 years of age
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children
• Completed a series of swim lessons
• Lifeguard Certification
• Ability to perform fundamental tasks on a computer.

Major Duties-(Essential Function)

Surveillance & Safety Monitoring

• Continuously scan the pool and surrounding area to identify potential hazards.
• Enforce pool rules to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Identify and respond quickly to emergencies, including distressed swimmers.

Rescue & Emergency Response

• Perform water rescues using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Administer first aid, CPR, and AED as needed.
• Assist in emergency evacuation procedures when necessary.

Rule Enforcement & Patron Assistance

• Educate patrons on safety regulations and enforce compliance.
• Address unsafe behavior and provide guidance on safe swimming practices.
• Answer questions and assist guests to ensure a positive experience.

 Facility Maintenance & Cleanliness

• Inspect and maintain pool safety equipment.
• Ensure the pool deck and surrounding areas remain clean and hazard-free.
• Monitor water quality and report issues to maintenance or management personnel.

Teamwork & Communication

• Collaborate with other lifeguards and staff to maintain a safe environment.
• Participate in regular training and emergency drills.
• Report incidents and safety concerns to supervisors.

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.