Pool Paraprofessional

Under the supervision of the immediate supervisor, the Pool Paraprofessional is responsible for swimming pool operation support, safety, and supervision of students and participants during instructional, extracurricular, and community programming. The role is safety-critical, customer-facing, and essential to high-quality aquatic operations.

Essential Functions

• Apply and enforce pool rules and regulations consistently to maintain a safe aquatic environment.
• Maintain constant vigilance and direct supervision of all bathers; recognize and respond to distressed swimmers and emergencies.
• Use lifesaving equipment professionally and safely; perform rescues and provide emergency care within the scope of certifications (Lifeguard/CPR/AED).
• Assist with bather and crowd control, deck management, and lane-space organization during physical education, team practices, swim lessons, and events.
• Implement the pool Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and communicate clearly with staff, participants, and first responders during incidents.
• Record and maintain daily pool attendance logs and other required health department/district documentation.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for aquatic duties; maintain personal readiness and equipment checks.
• Assist in preparing the physical plant for instruction and events, including lane lines, flags, kickboards, rescue equipment, signage, sound systems, and event setups.
• Support routine safety practices (e.g., pre-opening checks, visual inspections, hazard identification) and immediately report concerns to supervisors.
• Collaborate with custodial staff/CPOs by promptly communicating observed water quality concerns (clarity, chemical odor) and equipment issues.
• Provide positive, professional customer service to students, families, staff, and visiting teams or event hosts.
• Follow all district policies related to student supervision, confidentiality, reporting, and workplace conduct.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with staff check-in/out procedures, equipment inventories, and safety drills.
• Serve as a liaison to event hosts when assigned; ensure proper pool setup, functional safety equipment, and clear communication with event staff.
• Maintain the required bather count and submit necessary paperwork.
• Participate in ongoing safety training and skill refreshers; maintain current certifications and re-certification schedules.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics or Building Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (required).
• Valid Lifeguard certification recognized by the district (e.g., American Red Cross Lifeguarding).
• Valid CPR/AED certification for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent).
• One (1) year of experience working with children or youth (preferred).
• Strong situational awareness and communication skills; ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Availability for after-school hours, evenings, and occasional weekends based on program schedules.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certification.
• Prior experience in school or community aquatic settings.
• Familiarity with New York State/local health regulations governing public pools.
• Experience assisting with event setups, meet operations, or lesson programs.

Special Requirements

• Fingerprinting/background check as required by NYSED and district policy.
• Completion of annual safety trainings, EAP drills, and district-required compliance modules.
• Ability to lift/move equipment up to ~50 lbs, climb pool ladders, and perform physically demanding rescue tasks.
• Ability to work on wet surfaces, tolerate pool environmental conditions (humidity/chemicals), and maintain visual/auditory alertness for extended periods.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, and constant scanning of pool areas.
• Regular exposure to warm/humid environments, pool chemicals (in normal operating ranges), and variable noise.
• Must be able to swim and perform all lifeguard rescue skills and carry out CPR/AED per certification standards.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere to the district’s Emergency Action Plan, Supervision Plan, and Standard Operating Procedures (including signage, deck rules, and response protocols).
• Support pool safety in compliance with local and state health regulations and district directives.
• Immediately report hazards, injuries, near misses, and equipment malfunctions to supervisor.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics (or designee) based on safety vigilance, adherence to procedures, collaboration, reliability, and quality of student supervision and service.