Definition
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
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; 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;
Performs maintenance duties in and around pool area as assigned; 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 1 must:
- Be at least 17 years of age; 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.
Desirable Qualifications
See Legal Requirements.
Class Specification History
Revised minimum qualifications: 2-1-65
Revised minimum qualifications: 3-1-69
Revised definition, general revision: 12-1-69
Revised minimum qualifications: 12-15-72
Revised minimum qualifications: 6-9-89
Revised definition, minimum qualifications, general revision: 7-12-91
Revised new class code: (formerly 97400) effective July 1, 2007