Become a Ledgwood Lifeguard.
Lifeguard Job Description.
The primary function of the lifeguard staff is to ensure the safety of our patrons by preventing any actions which could jeopardize the health or safety of any individual. Secondly, lifeguards are to maintain the pool and pool grounds, bathrooms, and related equipment to provide for clean and safe operations. The lifeguards will normally take guidance and direction from the Pool Manager, the Head Lifeguard, or the Pool Trustee when necessary.
Lifeguarding is a serious responsibility, and that should be reflected in the appearance and behavior of the lifeguards every moment they are on duty.
Uniforms must be worn at all times while on duty. The bathing suit, whistle, fanny pack, pocket mask, and t-shirts lifeguards were provided with must be worn. We also recommend that lifeguards wear a minimum #15 sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat while on duty. Each guard stand also has an umbrella that can be used to protect yourself from the sun. Street clothes are not permitted while on duty. Flip flops or shoes must be worn while in the pump room or maintenance garage.
Hours of work will be scheduled' by the Pool Manager. Each lifeguard should be ready to take his or her place in the chair promptly at the beginning of each shift. Lifeguards must inform the Pool Manager of any times they will be unavailable to work BEFORE the schedule is made. If you are unable to work your scheduled hours, it is your responsibility to find a substitute in advance. Failure to provide coverage for the shift will be considered a "no show" and be grounds for dismissal. (Dates for family vacations, sports, and/or camps must be reported to the Pool Manager. At least two weeks prior notice is required.)
Lifeguards are responsible for knowing· and consistently enforcing all facility policies/rules. Lifeguards should contact the Pool Manager or Pool Trustee if assistance'.is needed in maintaining discipline in extreme cases.
Opening, closing, and maintenance checklists must be completed and initialed every day and each lifeguard on duty must participate in completing these checklists. Any unsafe conditions or equipment needs to be reported to the Pool Manager.
Chemical readings must be performed by those who are trained and recorded on the designated sheets. Any changes in chemical levels should be reported to the Pool Manager or Head Guard immediately.
There must be at least two lifeguards in the elevated lifeguard stands at all times unless there are NO swimmers in the pool. Lifeguards on duty must be sitting attentively in the elevated lifeguard stands with their rescue tube in the proper position, unless all stands are in use. If all stands are in use a lifeguard may be asked to walk and scan the pool from the deck area.
There must be at least ONE LIFEGUARD watching the pool any time there are patrons present on deck, even if NO ONE is in the pool at the time.
Lifeguards are encouraged to use their whistles regularly and to maintain control of the pool at all times. Benching is an important tool in maintaining appropriate behavior and is to be used fairly, consistently, and in accordance with the benching policy. (One continuous long blast - clears the pool, one short blast - gets the attention of a swimmer/patron, two short blasts - gets the attention of another staff member, and three short blasts - signals activation of the EAP.)
Minors (anyone under 18 years of age) must take a 30-minute break when working a shift of more than five hours. This break is unpaid. So, lifeguards will need to clock out and clock back in.
Employees must never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on the property of Ledgewood Association, whether on duty or not. Use or possession of alcohol and/or drugs on Ledgewood Association property will result in immediate dismissal. Lifeguarding is a serious responsibility, and Ledgewood Association cannot legally and ethically entrust the safety of their patrons to lifeguards whose performance may be impaired for any reason.
Lifeguards must have their full attention on the pool at all times. This includes being alert when in the lifeguard chair and actively scanning your designated zone(a). Lifeguards must scan their zone of responsibility once every ten to twenty seconds. Scanning also needs to take place during guard rotations/switches. During switches, lifeguards should communicate any concerns about swimmers in his/her zone to the next lifeguard.
Personnel files are maintained for all employees to document performance, record praises, outline any need for improvement, and house all necessary paperwork we need to have on file. Files are confidential. Only the employee, poof manager, and pool Trustee will have access o them. Employees will be asked to initial any entries into the file and may view their file at any time. Parents of minor employees (under 18) may also request to see their child's file.
Lifeguards are expected to be courteous and respectful to patrons at all times. The Pool Manager or Pool Trustee are available to help mediate any·conflicts that may arise between guards and patrons, but an attitude of professionalism is expected in any situation.