Lead Lifeguard-Full Time

About the Role

The Lead Lifeguard supports daily Aquatics Department operations by overseeing programs, special events, swim lessons, and staff. This role ensures a safe, welcoming environment through active supervision, accident prevention, emergency response, and enforcement of facility regulations. The Lead Lifeguard also assists with staff training and certifications, equipment maintenance, and exceptional customer service while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin aquatic staffing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Enforce facility rules consistently and courteously to maintain a safe environment.
• Monitor swimming and play areas, caution swimmers regarding unsafe areas or actions, and maintain order.
• Assist the Aquatics Manager with day-to-day operations, including special events and swim lessons.
• Develop, train, and instruct swim lessons (both private and group) as needed.
• Provide oversight to aquatic support staff, including Attendants, Instructors, and Lifeguards.
• Maintain constant observation of assigned areas, identify potential hazards, and respond to emergencies.
• Assist with administrative duties, including record-keeping and reporting.
• Maintain facility operations, including equipment setup, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Conduct water chemical testing and ensure a safe working environment.
• Assist with staff training, recruitment, and professional development.

Qualifications

• 2 years of continuous experience in lifeguarding and swim lesson instruction in a group environment.
• Experience working with adults, youth, and children.
• 1 year of staff supervision experience preferred.
• Current American Red Cross certifications:
  • Lifeguard Including Deep Water/CPR/AED/First Aid for Professional Rescuers
  • Waterpark Certification
  • Lifeguard Management (within 90 days of hire)
  • Lifeguard Instructor (within 90 days of hire)
• Strong verbal communication skills in English; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Personnel management skills, including delegation and motivation.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and exercise good judgment.
• Knowledge of basic computer operations and workplace technology.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate hands-on skills to individuals with varying experience levels.

Physical Demands

The employee must be physically active in an aquatics environment, complete physical requirements as defined by American Red Cross Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor certifications, stand, walk, sit, swim, tread water, use hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, taste, and smell. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

The primary duties take place in a busy public Aquatics Center with high noise levels, above-normal temperatures, and high humidity. Exposure to pool chemicals, fumes, bodily fluids, and potentially infectious materials. Outdoor events may expose the employee to weather conditions. The schedule includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

Pay

$18.50/hour

Schedule

Varied hours throughout the week, including rotating Saturdays during pool hours: 5:15 am - 1:00 pm and 3:45 - 8:30 pm Monday thru Friday, 6:15 am - 5:30 pm Saturdays.

Benefits

• Generous health, dental, vision, and hearing insurance
• Paid time off: 10 days of vacation, 12 sick days (6 usable as vacation), 12 paid holidays, 2 personal days
• Additional 2 days of PTO through the wellness program
• Pension contributions by The Salvation Army
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Paid training and professional development opportunities

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, individuals impacted by the justice system, and those without a college degree, are encouraged to apply.