Recreation Assistant (Lead Lifeguard)

About the role

This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC); Naval Station Great Lakes. Incumbent provides lifeguard duties; is responsible for safeguarding the lives of persons at the assigned work area; assists with Aquatic training, education, and general support at the installation.

Responsibilities

• Help Pool and/or Waterfront Lifeguard duties comprise 60% of incumbent's duties and include but are not limited to:

  • Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities such as supervising swimmers/patrons and their activities, monitoring all natural water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules and reporting safety hazards to supervisors, and performing water rescues as necessary.
  • Observes and documents conditions of area assigned (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, marine life, wind and weather) to ensure a safe environment, removing hazardous materials when necessary (e.g., floating debris, glass, etc.).
  • Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as necessary.
  • Cleans up after pool and waterfront activities, removes trash, and ensures cleanliness.
  • Operates rescue vehicles (e.g., PWC rescue craft, patrol boats, automobiles), as needed.

• General (includes but not limited to):

  • Administers aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON) and CNIC policy.
  • Provides introductory equipment orientations, when needed.
  • Checks identification cards for authorized patrons and collects usage fees, if applicable.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Program Manager during emergency situations.
  • Performs cleaning duties (e.g., basic janitorial services, vacuuming, skimming) and routine facility maintenance as assigned by Aquatics Program Manager.
  • Inspects, stands, boards, ropes, safety gear and condition of the dressing rooms, ensuring they are within the conditions required by environmental health standards. Informs supervisor of deficiencies.
  • Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment).
  • Enforces applicable policies and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
  • Prepares accident/incident reports during emergency situations. Notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
  • Works with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals).

• Lead duties comprise 40% of incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:

  • Leads and directs the work of three (3) or more lifeguard crew during work shifts, ensuring duties are performed in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
  • Interviews and recommend selection of all lifeguard positions to the Aquatics Program Manager or Fitness Program Director, as needed.
  • Schedules, coordinates and conducts in-service training of assigned lifeguards and recreational swimming instructors.
  • Orients new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities.
  • Makes sure all lifeguards' training requirements and certifications are current and/or competent in all rescue techniques to include first aid and CPR.
  • Makes sure lifeguard rotation schedules are monitored, issues directives, and monitors work performance.
  • Notifies the manager of employee absences and issues.
  • Interfaces with patrons regarding concerns, problems, or any other significant issues.
  • Provides input and feedback while responding to problems.
  • Ensures the aquatics programs are occurring as scheduled and assists with the overall management of swimming events.
  • Monitors the functions of the aquatics activities and provides input to the Aquatics Program Manager.
  • Carries out the full range of work leader responsibilities to include performing in an acting capacity in the absence of the Aquatics Program Manager.
  • Aids in the planning, coordination and scheduling of recurring activities, special events and community undertakings to maximize use of facilities and resources consistent with the military mission.
  • Teaches various swimming skills and water safety for all age groups.
  • Schedules use of lanes and aquatic spaces for patron use.
  • During emergency situations, assumes a leadership position and takes control of the emergency situation.
  • Performs opening and closing procedures of the facility.

Requirements

• Conditions of employment Must pass all applicable records and background check. Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.

• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)

• You must have current, active CPR, Lifeguard and First Aid certifications.

• You must be able to work varied work schedules to include holidays, weekends, and evenings.

• You must be able to work with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals, etc.).

• You must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.

• You must be able to pass an initial and recurrent physical agility test.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of pool and waterfront safety rules.

• Knowledge of the beach environment, marine life, and beach and water hazard is required for waterfront lifeguard positions.

• Knowledge of DoD, DON, CNIC, and MWR policies and procedures governing aquatic assessment testing and certifications and use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.

• Knowledge of cash handling procedures, if applicable.

• Knowledge of and ability to conduct pool chemical testing, document the results, and adjust chemical imbalances, as directed.

• Skilled or proficient in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications to perform a safe and efficient rescue operation.

• Ability to appropriately identify hazards or hazardous situations and identify a patron's need for assistance immediately.

• Ability to act decisively and immediately in any situation which could result in harm to a patron by identifying a patron in distress.

• Ability to tactfully, but forcefully, provide instruction on water safety, facility rules and regulations and enforce them.

• Ability to conduct routine safety inspections of the facility and pool area to ensure they meet environmental health standards.

• Ability to exercise control over a large group of people.

• Ability to perform the full range of work leader responsibilities.

• Ability to direct the work of subordinate staff and appropriately manage conflict.

• Ability to schedule work, handle last-minute changes, and evaluate performance.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.