Temporary Lifeguard

About the role

The Lifeguard plays a key role in promoting safety and positive experiences at City of Alexandria pools. Lifeguards monitor swimmers, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies, creating a welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages. This seasonal position is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking their first job or looking to build professional experience in a team-focused setting.

Responsibilities

In this position, you’ll work as part of a supportive team to maintain constant surveillance of patrons in and around the pool. You will:

• Prevent and respond to emergencies, including water rescues and first aid.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with the public and fellow staff.
• Assist with pool setup, cleanliness, and daily operations.
• Support swim meets, special events, and other recreation activities as assigned.

Requirements

Successful candidates demonstrate responsibility, good judgment, and a commitment to safety. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. Candidates with and without current Lifeguard certification are encouraged to apply. Paid training and American Red Cross certification are provided for successful applicants who meet the required prerequisite swimming skills:

• Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include CPR/AED first aid training certification and Lifeguard or similar water rescue certification. Additional requirements include being at least 15 years of age by the start of employment and demonstrating the lifeguard prerequisites listed above. Preferred qualifications include previous experience in a customer service, recreation, or aquatic setting, and familiarity with safety protocols and emergency response.

Skills

Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. The ability to demonstrate responsibility, good judgment, and a commitment to safety is also required.

About the Department

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well-maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best-practice standards in the industry.