Definition
Supervises lifeguards, and patrols and watches over a designated public swimming area beach or institutional swimming pool to prevent accidents and to rescue swimmers in distress.
Typical Work
Supervises Lifeguards 1 and is responsible for their performance and appearance; ensures required training is completed; evaluates at end of season; completes forms and reports; keeps swim beach and equipment repaired and ready; reports deficiencies to supervisor; trains staff in execution of swim beach emergency plan;
Watches over a designated swimming beach, pool or pond, from a tower, shore station, float, or by patrolling in a rowboat; warns public of hazards; corrects inappropriate visitor behavior; rescues persons in distress by swimming or using paddleboard, rescue tube, boat, or other type of rescue equipment; resuscitates persons using approved CPR methods; administers first aid;
Continuously trains in lifesaving, first aid techniques, and the swim beach emergency plan, and maintains physical fitness throughout the season as required;
Reports swim beach data as required;
Keeps the waterfront area free of hazards and maintains the cleanliness of the swimming area; maintains all equipment entrusted to his/her care and ensures that it is properly situated, secured and operable; maintains buoy lines, float lines, log booms, decks, swim ladders, signs and fences; maintains proper personal appearance and prescribed lifeguard attire;
Keeps beach and nearby park unit clean and orderly by collecting and disposing of garbage and litter; raking, filling and smoothing the beach; cleaning fire rings, stoves and BBQ stands; sweeping out shelters; setting irrigation; cleaning public restrooms; may drive light truck in performance of duties;
Answers questions and gives directions to the public; explains park rules; seeks compliance to all park rules and reports noncompliance to the park ranger;
Properly operates radio communications for administrative and emergency purposes;
Assigns and participates in maintenance duties in and around pool area; sterilizes, washes and stores swim suits; folds and stores towels;
Attends annual agency training as required;
Performs other work as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: swimming and bathing hazards; water lifesaving techniques; first aid and CPR.
Ability to: use lifesaving equipment; swim 500 yards in 10 minutes or less; apply artificial respiration; think and act quickly in emergencies; follow verbal and written directions; deal tactfully and effectively with public.
Legal Requirement(s)
Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or Advanced Lifesaving certification or equivalent
AND
A valid current American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR certification or equivalent.
Note: A Lifeguard 2 must:
- Be at least 18 years old; and
- Have eyesight which meets a corrected vision standard of 20/40 minimum, and uncorrected vision standard of 20/100 minimum; and
- Possess a valid vehicle operator's license if employed in a position which requires operation of a vehicle.
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
Minimum of 320 hours of experience as a lifeguard on an open water beach. Three hours of pool lifeguard experience will substitute for every hour of open water experience.
AND
See Legal Requirements.
Class Specification History
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-1-65
Revised definition, general revision: 12-1-69
Revised minimum qualifications: 12-15-72
Revised minimum qualifications: 8-18-75
Revised new class code: (formerly 97420) effective July 1, 2007