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 and 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

Lifeguard duties comprise 60% of incumbent’s duties and include:

• Supervising swimmers/patrons and their activities
• Monitoring all natural water activities
• Applying first aid and enforcing safety rules
• Reporting safety hazards to supervisors
• Performing water rescues as necessary
• Observing and documenting conditions of assigned area (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, marine life, wind and weather)
• Removing hazardous materials when necessary (e.g., floating debris, glass)
• Promptly rendering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid and calling for medical assistance as necessary
• Conducting and documenting pool chemical testing results
• Checking chlorine and pH levels on a scheduled basis; notifying Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of chemical imbalances; may adjust chemicals as directed
• Marking swim and surf areas with a flag system (waterfront only)
• Operating rescue vehicles as needed (e.g., PWC rescue craft, patrol boats, automobiles) (waterfront only)

General duties include:

• Administering aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON) and CNIC policy
• Providing introductory equipment orientations, when needed
• Checking identification cards for authorized patrons and collecting usage fees, if applicable
• Serving as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Program Manager during emergency situations
• Performing cleaning duties (e.g., basic janitorial services, vacuuming, skimming) and routine facility maintenance as assigned
• Inspecting stands, boards, ropes, safety gear and condition of dressing rooms, ensuring they meet environmental health standards
• Informing supervisor of deficiencies
• Using and maintaining care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment)
• Enforcing applicable policies and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations
• Preparing accident/incident reports during emergency situations
• Notifying management of all emergencies immediately
• Working with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals)

Lead duties comprise 40% of incumbent’s time and include:

• Leading and directing the work of three or more lifeguard crew during work shifts, ensuring duties are performed in accordance with established safety regulations and policies
• Interviewing and recommending selection of all lifeguard positions to the Aquatics Program Manager or Fitness Program Director, as needed
• Scheduling, coordinating and conducting in-service training of assigned lifeguards and recreational swimming instructors
• Orienting new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities
• Monitoring and tracking all lifeguards’ training requirements and certifications to ensure they are current and/or competent in all rescue techniques, including first aid and CPR
• Monitoring lifeguard rotation schedules, issuing directives, and monitoring work performance
• Recommending personnel actions to the Aquatics Program Manager
• Assisting with the scheduling of lifeguards to ensure adequate coverage of pool areas during operating hours
• Notifying the manager of employee absences and issues
• Inventorying and recognizing when supplies or equipment need to be ordered and communicating needs to the Aquatics Program Manager
• Interfacing with patrons regarding concerns, problems, or other significant issues
• Providing input and feedback while responding to problems
• Ensuring aquatics programs occur as scheduled and assisting with the overall management of swimming events
• Monitoring the functions of aquatics activities and providing input to the Aquatics Program Manager
• Carrying out the full range of work leader responsibilities, including performing in an acting capacity in the absence of the Aquatics Program Manager
• Assisting 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
• Teaching various swimming skills and water safety for all age groups
• Preparing material for classes being taught and ensuring the safety of all patrons in the class
• Scheduling use of lanes and aquatic spaces for patron use
• Assuming a leadership position and taking control of emergency situations
• Performing opening and closing procedures of the facility

Requirements

• 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
• Must have current, active CPR, Lifeguard and First Aid certifications
• Must be able to work varied work schedules to include holidays, weekends, and evenings
• Must be able to work with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Must be able to pass an initial and recurrent physical agility test

Qualifications

A qualified candidate must possess:

• Knowledge of pool and waterfront safety rules
• Knowledge of the beach environment, marine life, and beach and water hazards (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 results, and adjust chemical imbalances as directed
• Skill in and ability to provide training
• Proficiency in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications to perform safe and efficient rescue operations
• Ability to identify hazards or hazardous situations and a patron’s need for assistance immediately
• Ability to act decisively and immediately in any situation that could result in harm to a patron
• 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.