Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Lifeguard
A Lifeguard is a professional who plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of individuals in aquatic environments. Their primary responsibility is to prevent and respond to emergencies in and around pools, beaches, and other bodies of water. Lifeguards are trained to assess potential risks, enforce safety rules, and provide immediate assistance to those in need. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Lifeguards.
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Main Responsibilities of a Lifeguard
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Lifeguard:
Act
Act according to skill and training in the event of an emergency.
Act as a role model for water safety and lifeguarding standards.
Act with integrity and respect.
Adapt
Adapt to changing circumstances and prioritize tasks accordingly.
Adhere to
Adhere and adapt to all current and new policy, procedures and initiatives.
Administer
Administer CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) when necessary.
Anticipate
Anticipate problem situations before accidents occur.
Assist with
Assist clients / guests with special needs.
Assist in activities of daily living, including dressing, feeding, transferring and toileting.
Assist in packing for picnics.
Assist with facility operations.
Assist with other duties as required.
Assist with pool set ups and take downs.
Assist with various camps and programs as assigned.
Attend
Attend all staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
Attend and successfully complete all pre-employment training and tests.
Attend regular training sessions and certification courses.
Build
Build long and lasting relationships with pool users.
Build rapport and relates well to others.
Check
Check members in during family swim.
Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with other emergency personnel during joint operations.
Communicate
Communicate clearly and assertively in emergency situations.
Communicate effectively with team members and other staff.
Communicate well, be outgoing and energetic.
Complete
Complete additional duties as assigned by Head Lifeguard.
Complete a thorough, daily pool inspection.
Complete records and reports.
Complete related reports as required.
Complete training and development package.
Conduct
Conduct on the job training to new associates as required.
Conduct regular pool or beach inspections.
Conduct safety drills and training sessions for staff and patrons.
Conduct swim evaluations of all youth.
Control
Control crowds and maintain a safe swimming environment.
Deliver
Deliver the service standard at the Fitness Center.
Determine
Determine chlorine content and pH value of water.
Educate
Educate patrons about water safety and drowning prevention.
Educate swimmers and enforce policies.
Elaborate
Elaborate, animate and participate in camp activities and play team sports with the campers.
Encourage
Encourage campers by helping them to feel comfortable and develop confidence in the water.
Enforce
Enforce all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations.
Enforce all pool rules and regulations.
Enforce all rules and regulations to maintain the safest pool area as possible.
Enforce all rules of the Jewish Community Center.
Enforce existing regulations for the users of the pools and ensure discipline and good order.
Enforce pool and safety regulations as posted.
Enforce pool rules and health regulations.
Enforce proper riding positions and safety procedures in a hospitable manner.
Enforce public pool health and safety rules in both the pool and changing area.
Enforce rules consistently and fairly.
Enforce safety rules and regulations.
Ensure
Ensure all pool equipment is working in a satisfactory manner and reports any issues promptly.
Ensure all safety and lifeguarding procedures are adhered to.
Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of the pool or beach area.
Ensure health and safety regulations are followed.
Ensure proper alignment of all pool furniture at all times.
Ensure swimmers are aware of potentially dangerous swim areas and activities.
Ensure that all pool equipment is in good working order.
Ensure that regulations are respected.
Ensure that swimmers are well supervised in the pool and on decks.
Ensure that the Club's policies are enforced.
Ensure the enjoyment and safety of all swimmers.
Ensure the health and safety of pool patrons in and around the pool area & changing rooms.
Ensure the pool and the building and surrounding areas are clean, tidied and safe.
Ensure the proper use, care and maintenance of all equipment.
Ensure the smooth functioning of the groups during activities and ensure their safety.
Establish
Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings.
Evaluate
Evaluate conditions for safety and initiates aquatics emergency action plan as required.
Fill out
Fill out reports for incidents or other records for reference.
Fold
Fold and stack towels, remove soiled towels.
Foster
Foster a shared responsibility for the well-being of our staff, guests, and community.
Greet
Greet general public, answers questions and collects fees.
Handle
Handle difficult or unruly individuals with diplomacy and professionalism.
Help
Help swimmers in difficulty and provide first aid.
Help the children in difficulty and dispense first aid.
Identify
Identify and address potentially hazardous conditions.
Identify patrons in need of emergency assistance and respond appropriately.
Implement
Implement safe, enjoyable and effective swimming lessons (if applicable).
Initiate
Initiate water games with the help of camp counsellors.
Inspect
Inspect and maintain rescue equipment.
Inspect pool facilities, equipment, and water to ensure that they are safe and usable.
Inspect the facility at opening and closing.
Instruct
Instruct both group and private swimming lessons.
Instruct or assist classes in fundamentals of swimming as needed.
Interact with
Interact and maintain good public relations with patrons.
Interact effectively with children.
Keep
Keep accurate records of incidents and rescue operations.
Keep Aquatics Director up to date on all relevant issues and situations.
Keep entire pool area free of trash and miscellaneous debris.
Keep the pool area clean and orderly to ensure the safety of the Members.
Know
Know and enforce all rules and regulations pertaining to the Evanston Lakefront.
Know, communicate and follow the safety rules and regulations with regards to swimming pools.
Lead
Lead and teach swimming classes for a variety of ages and levels (kids & adults).
Lift
Lift up to 40 pounds in order to assist participants as needed, and to set up equipment.
Maintain
Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and / or the state Health Department code.
Maintain a clean and safe beach environment.
Maintain a clean environment in and around the pool.
Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
Maintain a fun and positive attitude daily to create a joyful environment for guests.
Maintain a hazard-free, clean, and safe pool and work area.
Maintain amenities and cleanliness of the changing rooms and bathrooms.
Maintain a professional appearance.
Maintain a safe and hygienic aquatic facility.
Maintain a safe and supervised pool area at all times.
Maintain confidentiality of resident and guest information.
Maintain constant surveillance of campers.
Maintain constant surveillance of members and guests in the pool and on the pool deck.
Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility.
Maintain constant surveillance of the pool or beach area.
Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
Maintain effective relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
Maintain guard shack and storage areas as needed.
Maintain physical fitness and stamina.
Maintain records and reports as required.
Maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas.
Maintain swimming fitness (recommended to swim a minimum of three times weekly).
Maintain the pool and changing area to ensure the pool is clean for users.
Make
Make a regular detailed account of swimmers in the water.
Make extra money through commission-based program by bringing in your own clients.
Make sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.
Monitor
Monitor complete coverage of the pool area.
Monitor member use within the facility to ensure health and safety procedures are followed.
Monitor pool patrons to prevent accidents.
Monitor swimmers and water activities.
Monitor swimmers in the pool to prevent accidents.
Monitor weather conditions and respond accordingly.
Oversee
Oversee the safety and supervision of participants of all ages in recreational swims.
Own
Own the outcomes of their work.
Participate in
Participate in emergency procedures.
Participate in meetings, staff trainings, program registrations and Club events.
Participate in regular in-service training sessions.
Perform
Perform administrative tasks such as making photocopies, sending faxes, electronic scanning, etc..
Perform all swimming and rescue skills being taught.
Perform any assigned task given by the Property Manager.
Perform chemical testing at appropriate times of the day, as required, and takes appropriate action.
Perform equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
Perform first aid procedures when necessary.
Perform maintenance (maintain filtration system and water chemistry) and cleaning tasks.
Perform minor maintenance and cleaning as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties assigned by the Program Coordinator.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Perform pool water chemistry tests when required.
Perform related duties as required.
Perform rescue duties as necessary.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Perform scheduled guarding duties at either the swimming area or canoe kayak area.
Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility.
Perform water rescues using appropriate techniques.
Plan
Plan lessons & complete program assessments and swimmer report cards.
Plan, organize and facilitate activities in cooperation with campers and other counselors.
Prepare
Prepare and maintain appropriate activity reports.
Prepare coffee, and take food orders.
Prepare lesson plans, instruct and evaluate students.
Provide
Provide all program offerings as part of a team.
Provide assistance and support to distressed or injured individuals.
Provide excellent customer service to patrons.
Provide exceptional customer service to meet the diverse needs of members.
Provide residents / guests with a safe and enjoyable pool experience . ‘.
Provide superior customer service to all residents and guests.
Provide support, direction and guidance to program participants.
Provide support, guidance and leadership to volunteers, guests and visitors.
Provide your LSS ID number and a print out of current certifications from LSS "Find a Member”.
Reach
Reach with hands and arms.
Receive
Receive, classify and distribute materials and various items used in pool maintenance.
Recognize
Recognize and respond effectively in emergencies.
Recruit
Recruit volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
Refer
Refer members with lengthy questions to appropriate supervisor.
Renew
Renew required certifications when they expire.
Report
Report all injuries and rescues to the Aquatics Supervisor.
Report any unsafe conditions or situations that require attention to the on-site LIVunLtd manager.
Report inadequate pool temperature or chemical readings to senior staff immediately.
Report maintenance and or equipment failure concerns to Manager.
Report pool, resident and / or equipment issues promptly.
Represent
Represent the Centre professionally at all times.
Represent the YMCA of Greater Saint John in a professional manner.
Rescue
Rescue, resuscitate and give first aid to drowning and / or injured person(s).
Respond to
Respond immediately to emergencies and provide first aid as required.
Respond to any reasonable task assigned by Manager.
Respond to emergencies calmly and professionally.
Respond to emergency situations and perform rescue techniques and first aid.
Restock
Restock clean towels and properly dispose of dirty towels.
Scan
Scan the area to make sure that patrons are safe & behaving according to the rules.
See
See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.
Stay
Stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
Stay current on Lifeguarding and safety techniques, to enhance performance.
Stay fit to perform job adequately which requires swimming endurance and strength.
Stay updated on current lifeguarding techniques and practices.
Stay vigilant and focused throughout shifts.
Supervise
Supervise a group of up to 15 children, ages 5-13 years and provide strong and positive leadership.
Supervise and assist with swimming lessons and recreational activities.
Supervise pool users and maintain safety and hygiene in the swimming pool and changing area.
Supervise recreational swimmers, maintaining focus on water and pool equipment.
Supervise swimming lessons and aquatic activities at our private lake.
Support
Support and first aid as required, including artificial respiration.
Take
Take charge and animate a conversation workshop of 5 campers.
Take charge and animate an English conversational workshops of 5 or 6 campers.
Take out / put away all lifeguard items as necessary.
Talk
Talk and hear both in-person from close and long distances and by phone or radio.
Turn off
Turn off water slide at the end of the day and post all "out of service” signs.
Understand
Understand and comply with hotel emergency procedures and policies.
Vacuum
Vacuum the pool on a daily basis.
Watch
Watch the children at the swimming pool to insure security and prevent accidents.
Work
Work effectively as part of a team.
Work with individuals of all ages.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Lifeguard:
First aid and CPR certification.
Proficiency in water rescue techniques.
Knowledge of AED operation and protocols.
Ability to perform spinal injury management.
Strong swimming skills and endurance.
Familiarity with emergency response protocols.
Understanding of pool or beach safety regulations.
Knowledge of water currents and their potential dangers.
Ability to use rescue equipment effectively.
Competence in assessing and managing various types of injuries.
Understanding of basic medical terminology.
Proficiency in operating communication devices.
Familiarity with operating watercraft, if required.
Ability to administer oxygen and other medical aids.
Understanding of water chemistry and pool maintenance.
Knowledge of environmental risks and how to mitigate them.
Ability to handle and transport injured individuals safely.
Skill in handling and controlling crowds during emergencies.
Proficiency in assessing and responding to weather-related risks.
Knowledge of local and state regulations pertaining to lifeguarding.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Lifeguard:
Strong communication skills.
Excellent observation and situational awareness.
Quick decision-making abilities.
Leadership qualities and the ability to take charge.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Empathy and compassion for others.
Effective teamwork and collaboration.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Conclusion
Being a Lifeguard requires a unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. By understanding and embodying these main responsibilities and acquiring the necessary hard and soft skills, Lifeguards can ensure the safety and well-being of individuals enjoying aquatic environments.
