POSITION SUMMARY
At will position, under the direct supervision of the Pool Manager and Assistant Pool Manger and under the general direction of the Program Coordinator, Parks & Recreation Director, and Parks Superintendent, the Lifeguard is responsible for the enforcement of all pre-established policies, regulations, and procedures in a prompt, uniform and professional manner. It will be necessary to respond quickly and effectively to all rescue and emergency situations. Following the Department's philosophy and goals, the lifeguard will help educate the pool patrons in the importance of positive and correct water safety practices.
JOB DUTIES
The Lifeguard's foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of all participants including: using best judgment in prohibiting ANY activity or practices that may endanger the patron, other patrons, or any spectator. The Lifeguard's authority must not be questioned, so he/she must always be sure of his/herself and steadfast in enforcing rules. The lifeguard must be tactful in handling disciplinary problems and must use self-restraint in language, temper, and manners. Because the Lifeguard is a direct reflection of the Independence Parks & Recreation Department, he/she must act and present himself/herself in a professional manner at all times in all situations. The Lifeguard should always be aware of the guidelines stated in the Iowa Department of Public Health Swimming Pool Administrative Code, Section 641.154(5)d. entitled Lifeguards and Shallow Water Guards: a. Except for wading pools; lifeguards are required at municipal and school swimming pools and other swimming pools having water surface area 1500 sq ft or larger. b. Water Slide Attendants: each water slide shall have a minimum of 2 attendants; one stationed at the top of the slide and one at the plunge pool. The Water Slide Attendants shall be either lifeguards or shallow water guards. c. Shallow Water Guards are only to be used at plunge pools which are 4 ft or less in depth and at wading pools. Shallow Water Guard means a person who has current certification in emergency water safety and standard first aid offered by the American Red Cross or an equivalent as approved by the Department. d. Each Lifeguard shall have a current lifeguard training or advanced lifesaving certificate from the American Red Cross or equivalent by the Department. e. For open recreation swimming, there shall be at least one lifeguard guarding the pool at all times, for up to 30 swimmers in the water there will be at least 2 lifeguards on duty, one of which will be guarding the pool at all times for up to 125 swimmers in the water. An additional 125 swimmers in the water or fraction thereof. f. Each structured swimming program such as lap swim, competitive swimming, water exercise classes will be supervised by an instructor, teacher, or coach provided that they are, or have on duty, a lifeguard or have current certification from the American Red Cross in safety training for swim coaches. Require all patrons to follow personal health and safety regulations as established by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Independence Parks & Recreation Department's Aquatic's Division. Knowledgeable of all personnel and operation policies, specific pool rules and regulations, and specific emergency procedures for the pool. Administer first aid requirements as directed and accurately complete the necessary forms and paperwork for every situation. Completes necessary paperwork specific to job responsibilities (attendance form, accident/incident reports, facility checklists, test cards, etc.) Report any behavioral and disciplinary problems to Supervisors. Cooperate with and complete all tasks assigned by the Shift Supervisor. Provides high level leadership through responsible actions. Encourage children to participate in activities through positive reinforcement. Supervise special events held at assigned facility. Perform set-up and take-down of program related equipment. Serve as a positive role model to the participants. Communicates clearly and effectively with parents and/or participants. Assist the Supervisor in opening the facility. Assist in maintenance of program equipment and reports all supply needs to the Supervisor. Clean and disinfect facility areas, including the bath and changing rooms, as directed. Assist other personnel with their assigned duties during rush periods or minor maintenance work during off periods. Assist in securing the facility prior to leaving. Attend all in-service and training meetings and practices. Knowledgeable of guard rotation, which will be set by the management in accordance to bather load and the number of personnel needed, along with the responsibilities of each guard station. While on duty, the lifeguard shall: sit erect when in the guard chair in an alert manner without draping over the arms of the chair, keep eyes on the pool surface at all times while on duty, being specifically aware of persons under water, floating on the surface or hanging on the pool wall or ropes, establish a pattern of scanning the assigned station area, along with the entire pool; approximately every 10 seconds (refer to pool diagrams), NEVER look away or turn your back toward the pool while on duty, do not converse with patrons unless it is related to a matter at hand (then only do it as quickly as possible without taking your eyes off of the pool, do not unnecessarily blow your whistle (use your whistle correctly, appropriately and as required), report swimmers with open sores, skin diseases, and inflamed eyes, with other conditions that may pose a health threat to other patrons to the Supervisor, always watch persons on and diving from the boards, making sure they clear the board safely and come up without problems. Enforce all water slide policies set by the Aquatics Division and the Iowa Department of Public Health.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skill and abilities.
Knowledgeable of water safety practices and usage of water safety equipment. Experience working with children. Able to work the duration of the program as assigned by the manager. Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow staff members and the public in a courteous and tactful manner. Be in good physical condition, dependable, alert, enthusiastic, and be able to deal with persons of all ages and abilities in a positive and tactful manner. Wear the Parks & Recreation Lifeguard uniform as determined by the IPRD.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Training:
Required licenses, registrations and certifications: Hold current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, CPR, and First Aid Certifications (WSI certifications is desirable)
Required post‑offer physical examinations: Must meet all requirements as outlined in the employee handbook.
Required drug testing: Drug testing shall be required as allowed by state law.
Residency requirement: None.
Other testing required: None.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
See Essential Functions Job Analysis.
HOURS OF WORK Hours will vary with season dates (May-late August); requires after school, evening, and weekend hours. There is no guaranteed number of hours each week or month.
1. Marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties have been excluded from this job description.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective employee and incumbents are encouraged to discuss possible accommodations with the City.
3. Job descriptions in no way state or imply that the description includes every duty to be performed by the employee in the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor.
The City reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time.
The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
