Head Lifeguard

CITY OF ELKHART - JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation

POSITION: Lifeguard

DIVISION: Aquatics

STATUS : Full Time/Seasonal

CATEGORY : Hourly, $18-$19.50

FLSA : Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO : Aquatics Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Head Lifeguard provides on-deck leadership and supervision of lifeguards to ensure safety standards, operational procedures, and guest service expectations are consistently maintained at aquatic facilities including Spray Park, Ideal Beach, and Pierre Moran Pool. This role supports Aquatic Management by monitoring staff performance, coordinating daily operations, and serving as the primary safety lead during assigned shifts.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to lifeguards during assigned shifts.
• Ensure lifeguards maintain active surveillance and follow safety protocols.
• Assist with staff rotations, break schedules, and daily assignments.
• Support training, mentoring, and coaching of lifeguards.
• Monitor facility safety and respond to incidents as lead responder when necessary.
• Assist with enforcing facility policies and managing patron concerns.
• Communicate operational or safety concerns to Aquatic Management.
• Assist with opening, closing, and operational readiness of facility.
• Perform lifeguard duties as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Effectively communicate with swimmers, patrons, and other staff members.
• Regularly inspect and maintain aquatic facility.
• Communicate with the Aquatic Manager about facility issues and concerns.
• Assist with facility cleaning on a regular basis.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Lifeguard certification from a recognized organization (e.g., Red Cross, YMCA).
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Previous lifeguard experience preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Ability to swim long distances and tread water for extended periods.
• Capability to lift and carry rescue equipment.
• Physical fitness to perform water rescues and administer first aid.
• Must possess a demonstrated level of ability and experience in areas of oral and written communications.
• Ability to work with people and calm/deescalate tense situations when necessary.
• Must be able to effectively prioritize daily work functions.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS • Good swimming skills are necessary.
• Must have the ability and history of remaining calm and rational when confronted with stressful or volatile situations.
• Must have a positive demeanor when in contact with the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work environment is generally performed in an indoor and outdoor setting. Lifeguards will typically work afternoon hours and weekends. Occasionally hours will be extended to cover Parks and Recreation programs and rentals.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED
• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT
• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and other duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.