Lifeguard

Salary: $19.53 - $24.93 Hourly
Location : 1700 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA
Job Type: Seasonal
Department: Recreation/Human Services
Division: Aquatics
Opening Date: 03/19/2025
Closing Date: Continuous


Description

Description
Under general supervision, provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and Agency aquatic facilities in order to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; explains and enforces swimming programs and pool policies, regulations, and rules; performs rescues and administers first aid as necessary; and performs related work as required.


Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from assigned Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics : This journey level classification is responsible for independently and attentively observing swimmers and ensuring compliance with pool policies and safety guidelines. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of Duties

Representative Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides aquatic safety and supervision for patrons; monitors activities in the pool and facilities to avoid and prevent accidents, and to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; promotes public safety at all times
• Acts as lifeguard and provide courteous customer service to all patrons during pool hours and at all events held at the pool
• Implements and enforces Agency policies, rules, and procedures
• Provides first responder medical emergency response to water and other Agency emergencies; administers basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as necessary
• Provides assistance in swim lesson programs
• Listens and responds to patrons' needs for assistance or information and provides the public with general information
• Maintains cleanliness of aquatic facilities; performs chemical checks, light cleaning and custodial duties including mopping, scrubbing, hosing, sweeping, and removing litter
• Inspects and maintains swimming and pool equipment for functionality; recommends maintenance and repair as needed
• Receives and responds to questions, concerns, and complaints; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate
• Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs.
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties
• Observes and complies with all Agency and City mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Experience: (Preferred) 1 year of Lifeguard experience in a swimming pool or aquatic facility. The minimum age for this position in this classification is eighteen (18) years of age.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Swimming pool, guest safety and emergency procedures
• Life-guarding skills and methods
• Operational characteristics of water rescue safety equipment and devices
• Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Basic maintenance and cleaning practices
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Agency staff
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Ability to:

• Attentively observe and monitor the safety of swimmers and other guests using aquatic facilities
• Exercise professional judgment to act effectively in emergency situations
• Interpret and implement aquatic facility policies and practices
• Work with children and adults in a recreational setting
• Assist with swim meets, rentals, and classes
• Provide courteous assistance to facility patrons
• Maintain discipline, order, and safety in a crowded and noisy environment
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner
• Perform work in an efficient, effective, safe, and timely manner
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
• Understand and carry out oral instructions
• Observe and comply with Agency and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work is primarily performed within a public swimming pool environment where stamina is needed to perform moderate to heavy lifting of pool equipment and furniture, or children or adults who may require removal from the pool, and to stay in the pool for prolonged periods of time. Must possess the mobility to stand, stoop, kneel, reach, bend, climb, push and pull materials and equipment, and swim, while wearing an appropriate uniform with protective equipment. Vision and hearing which must be sufficient to see and hear adults and children in crowded and noisy conditions situations. Must also possess the mobility to work in an office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by using a telephone and radio in. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or to operate safety equipment. Must possess the ability to swim distances, and dive to pool depths, as determined by testing/certification authorities, and to lift 100 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Working Conditions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Employees work outdoors in a pool environment with wet and slippery conditions and are exposed to variable weather conditions; may be exposed to chlorine, acids, and other chemicals at aquatics facilities, as well as blood and body fluids while rendering first aid and CPR. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

License
Must have and maintain a valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent.
Possession of valid certifications in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and American Red Cross Lifeguarding, to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Testing Process:

• Minimum Qualification Screening - Pass/Fail
• Supplemental Questions - Pass/Fail
• Oral Interview - 100% of total score

*Testing process is subject to change
Candidates must pass all examinations to be placed on the eligible list.

Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the next step in the selection process. All candidate materials will be carefully evaluated and only those considered best qualified will be invited to the next step in the selection process.
Vacation : Four (4) hours per month if the total hours worked is equal to or exceeds sixty (60) hours for each pay period in the month.

Sick Leave : Part-time employees shall accrue four (4) hours of sick leave per month if the total hours worked is equal to or exceeds sixty (60) hours for each pay period in the month. Employees shall be credited with forty (40) hours of sick leave upon date of hire and every January thereafter


Retirement : Employees working less than 30 hours per week will be enrolled in the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) upon date of hire unless the employee was previously enrolled in the California Public Employees' Retirement Systems (CALPERS). City and employee equally contribute 3.75% towards benefit.

Health Plan Options: Upon eligibility PPO Plan available at cost to the employee. A part-time employee becomes eligible for health insurance if the employee worked an average of thirty (30) hours or more per week over the last twelve (12) months of service.

Bilingual Bonus Pay: The city shall pay each approved part-time employee a Bilingual Bonus of eleven dollars and fifty-five cents ($11.55) per pay period as long as the employee remains eligible for this bonus.

Credit Union : Savings and loan services available through South Bay Credit Union, Kinecta, and F&A Federal Credit Union.
01


Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02


A requirement of this position is that an applicant must currently possess a valid American Red Cross certification in Lifeguard Training and First Aid & CPR. Do you currently possess this certification? If "Yes", please attach a copy of your certification along with your application.

• Yes
• No

03


Please select your aquatics experience (Select all that apply):

• High School swim, water polo, or diving
• College swim, water polo, or diving
• Club swim, water polo, or diving
• Pool lifeguard
• Beach lifeguard
• None of the above

04


Do you have previous lifeguard experience? If yes, please describe your previous role(s) and responsibilities.
05


Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision in an emergency situation. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
06


If you saw someone breaking pool rules (e.g. diving in shallow area), how would you handle this situation?
07


Are you able to work various shifts throughout the day including early morning, morning, afternoon, late afternoon, and nights, including holiday and weekends? If no, what are your restrictions to your availability?
08


Please select all that apply to your availability.

• 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Required Question