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Copyright 2001

LIFEGUARD JOB DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL DUTIES:

Lifeguards will perform other duties as directed or assigned by the Aquatics Manager and Assistant Aquatics Manager than those listed below.

 Supervisors:

The Aquatics Manager or Assistant Aquatic Manager should be at the pool every day.

 Chain of Command:

If a lifeguard has a problem, they are encouraged to speak with the Aquatics Manager or Assistant Aquatics Manager about it first.  Then they will bring it up to the Park Board if necessary.

 Uniforms:

A lifeguard’s appearance will be a credit to himself and representative of his/her organization.  Lifeguards will be well groomed.  Lifeguards will be required to be in proper uniform when on duty.   A shirt or sweatshirt will be worn with the word “Guard” at all times while on duty.  The shirt must be approved by the Aquatics Manager.  Lifeguards must be able to be easily recognized as pool employees. 

Males:

Shoes will not be worn with the exception being those that are easily slipped off. 

Jeans, other heavy pants or heavy coats will not be worn. 

Males will wear proper swimming shorts.  No speedos unless they are under swimming shorts. 

Do not wear excessive jewelry.

Articles of clothing may not have obscene words on them and must be approved by the Aquatics Manager On Duty.

Females:

Shoes will not be worn with the exception being those that are easily slipped off.

Jeans, other heavy pants or heavy coats will not be worn. 

Females will wear one or two piece bathing suits that are approved by the Aquatics Manager.  Sporty swimsuits are preferred.  The top must have straps and must have good frontal coverage.  The bottoms may not tie.  

Clean shorts may be worn over the swimsuit if desired.

Do not wear excessive jewelry.

Articles of clothing may not have obscene words on them and must be approved by the Manager On Duty.

Lifeguard Shifts:

4 guards will work each day if feasible.  On normal days, two will guard for 25 minutes (from the hour until 25 minutes past the hour.) the next two will guard for another 25 minutes (from 25 minutes after the hour until 10 till the next hour).  A rest break will be for 10 minutes (at 10 minutes till the hour until the hour).  While in the office, lifeguards will operate the cash register, rent out equipment, answer the phone, sell season memberships and other duties as assigned.  

Lifeguards are permitted to swim during their office time as long as one guard stays in the office.  It is appropriate to ask the other lifeguard you’re guarding with before doing so.

Lifeguard Alertness:

Lifeguards will be expected to remain alert and watchful during their shift.  Please refrain from lengthy conversations with pool patrons.  Save this for break time. 

Music: 

The lifeguards will not be permitted to have music at their stations.  Music will be played in the office area at a normal tone.  Lifeguards will not listen to music with inappropriate language anywhere on the premises.

Trainings:

Lifeguards will have current certification in Lifeguarding, Standard First Aid, and CPR.

Mandatory lifeguard trainings will be every other Tuesday at 11:00 am.  These are also mandatory for part-time lifeguards.  If you have to miss any training, it must be approved in advance by the Aquatics Manager. 

Lap Swimming:

Lifeguards will swim regularly as specified by the Aquatics Manager.  (30 laps/week; 1680 yards minimum.)  Part-time lifeguards must swim at least 20 laps/week.  Not completing this requirement will result in a failing score on a Daily In-House Audit form.  The only exceptions to this rule are inclement weather, injury, illness, or working 2 days or less that week and must be approved by the Aquatics Managers.

Lifeguard Olympics:

Lifeguards will participate in the Panhandle Lifeguard Olympics.  The only exceptions are illness and injury.  Vacation during this time is greatly discouraged.  Unavoidable vacation must be asked for 2 weeks in advance and approved by the Aquatics Manager.  Part-time workers are greatly encouraged to participate.

Lifeguards will also help organize the Olympics when it is located at the Crawford Swimming Pool. Duties will be assigned by the Aquatics Manager.

Lifeguard Evaluations:

Lifeguards will be evaluated on a regular basis by the aquatic managers using the Daily In-House Audit Form. Lifeguards will be evaluated on a bi-annual basis by the aquatic managers using the Lifeguard Evaluation Form.  Lifeguards can feel free to evaluate the aquatic managers on this basis also.  A failing score will be received when not swimming the proper number of laps the previous week, not showing up for work when scheduled, blatantly not enforcing the rules, or not wearing the proper uniform.  These are just a few of the actions that will receive a failing score.  Others may be included.

Lifeguard Discipline:

If any lifeguard receives a Failing score twice on a Daily In-House Audit Form, the lifeguard will take a maintenance day.  During their office breaks, instead of tending to the office, various maintenance chores will be assigned.  After they have done this they can have two more failing scores on a Daily In-House Audit form before having another maintenance day.

Number of Guards on Duty:

Two lifeguards will be on duty at the same time on normal days.  If there are 15 or less swimmers, one lifeguard can be used if an area is blocked off.  More than 2 guards will be used at the discretion of the Aquatics Manager on Duty.