What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor- Full Time position at City of Portsmouth, NH?
Ready to make a splash this summer?! The City of Portsmouth is looking for 2 enthusiastic, safety-minded individuals to join as Full-Time Seasonal Lifeguards/Water Safety Instructors for the Portsmouth Outdoor Pool located on Peirce Island. This position does require applicants to be American Red Cross-Lifeguard certified and Water Safety Instructor certified.
Lifeguard: $18 an hour
Water Safety Instructor: $22.00 an hour
There is a mandatory paid Summer Orientation held on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, from 11am-2pm.
NATURE OF WORK
The purpose of this position is to monitor activities at the Portsmouth Indoor Pool to prevent accidents and provide assistance to patrons.
SUPERVISION
Work is performed under the direction of the Recreation Director, Assistant Recreation Director, Pool Supervisor, or their designee. Incumbent plans and carries out daily work with a degree of independence and teamwork.
Performance is subject to review according to the City's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.
Lifeguard
2. Rescues patrons in distress and performs life-saving duties, including CPR, rescue breathing, and swimmer rescue techniques.
3. Maintains order at the facility, including enforcing rules, resolving minor conflicts, and furnishing information to the public.
4. Performs first aid to injured patrons.
5. Completes all required reports and paperwork.
6. Performs moderate manual labor as needed.
8. Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
10. Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
12. Perform related work as required.
Water Safety Instructor
2. Organize and direct activities of assigned students in order to provide a high level of quality instruction for all students.
3. Maintain class rosters and track student progress.
4. Are on a first-name personalized basis in meaningful instruction for the duration of the season.
5. Establishes positive public relations with parents/guardians of class students helping them recognize and understand swimming developments and achievements.
7. Helps organize and assists in the development of special programs, activities and instruction.
8. Completes and submits records and documentation of completed lessons to the Aquatics supervisor and the American Red Cross.
9. Foreseeing hazards and taking steps to control them before participants step into the water.
10. Enduring that there are lifeguards on duty during swim lessons.
11. Perform related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...
1. Knowledge of First Aid and water rescue practices and techniques; CPR and AED.
2. Ability to swim to a depth of 12 feet.
3. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
4. Ability to follow oral and written orders, directions, and instructions and abides by the rules and regulations of the department.
5. Ability to multi-task.
6. Ability to work safely in changing work environments both inside and outside including exposure to chemicals.
7. Ability to lead and instruct others in techniques and methods used in various work activities.
8. Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
9. Ability to write reports and maintain accurate records.
10. Ability to adapt teaching approach to match the experience and abilities of the participants.
11. Knowledge of the use of course materials and training equipment in a safe and effective manner.
15. Ability to submit the required course documents according to Red Cross procedural guidelines within the specified time frame.
ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT
Work is performed inside under variable temperature conditions and noise level, both indoors as well as around chemical and/or fumes. Physical requirements include the ability to work long hours, many of which can be on your feet. Lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force from time to time and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, permits the employee to communicate effectively. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, permits the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, permits the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and related equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, permits the employee to perform water rescue procedures in an aquatic facility environment. Ability to work under physically and emotionally stressful situations. Through knowledge of swimming, water safety skills and techniques and related activities. Good physical condition and stamina.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent. Applicants for this position should have some experience in aquatic facility activities or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform work.
The following certifications and licenses are required for this position:
1. American Red Cross Lifeguarding
2. American Water Safety Instructor
(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)
DISCLAIMER
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.
APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.
Salary : $18 - $22