POSITION: HEAD LIFEGUARD
DEPARTMENT: Public Services - Recreation
REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Aquatic Services
SUPERVISES: Junior and Senior Lifeguards
TYPE: Full-Time
CUPE: YES
SCHEDULE: Will vary, Monday to Sunday, between 0530 2100.
HOURS PER WEEK: 40
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Coordinator of Aquatic Services, the Head Lifeguard ensures a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all pool patrons. This role also assists with facility operations and maintenance. In the absence of the Aquatic Coordinator, the Head Lifeguard may take on those responsibilities as needed. This position is designed to complement and provide coverage during the Coordinator’s time off or absence. Additionally, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for instructing swim lessons, leading leadership programs, supervising and evaluating other instructors, performing lifeguarding duties, and promoting staff occupational health, safety, and wellness.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
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Supervision & Leadership:
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Supervise and coordinate lifeguard staff, ensuring proper rotation, breaks, and coverage during shifts.
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Provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring for lifeguards to improve performance and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
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Supervise and evaluate swim instructors and leadership program instructors to ensure high-quality instruction and adherence to curriculum.
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Act as the senior point of contact during shifts, handling emergencies, incidents, and staff issues as needed.
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Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions to ensure all certifications are up-to-date and staff are informed of facility updates.
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Other duties as assigned by the Recreation Manager or designate.
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Lifeguarding Duties:
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Actively perform lifeguarding duties, including monitoring the pool and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of all patrons.
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Enforce facility rules and regulations while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude with the public.
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Perform water rescues, first aid, and CPR as required during emergencies.
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Instructional Duties:
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Instruct swim lessons at various skill levels, following established programs and lesson plans.
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Lead leadership programs, such as Lifesaving Society courses, to develop aquatic skills and leadership qualities in participants.
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Assist in the development of lesson plans and ensure that all classes follow safety protocols and meet participant needs.
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Occupational Health, Safety, & Wellness:
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Promote a healthy and safe work environment by encouraging adherence to workplace safety protocols.
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Monitor staff for signs of fatigue, stress, or burnout, and ensure appropriate breaks and wellness initiatives are implemented.
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Conduct safety briefings and participate in staff occupational health and safety meetings.
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Report any safety hazards or concerns to management and take part in workplace incident investigations when necessary.
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Safety & Emergency Management:
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Monitor pool areas for safety hazards and ensure patrons adhere to facility rules and regulations.
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Respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, including water rescues and first aid.
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Perform routine inspections of pool areas, equipment, and emergency supplies to ensure they are safe, operational, and compliant with health and safety standards.
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Administration & Operations:
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Assist the Aquatics Manager in scheduling lifeguard and instructor shifts, ensuring adequate staffing levels.
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Maintain accurate records of pool maintenance, water quality checks, incident reports, and instructional program evaluations.
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Oversee the setup and takedown of aquatic programs, events, and classes, ensuring smooth operations.
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Assist with budget planning, program development, and ordering of supplies as needed.
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Customer Service:
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Provide exceptional customer service by addressing patron inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a professional manner.
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Promote facility programs and encourage participation in aquatics programs.
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Educate the public on water safety and facility guidelines.
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Working Conditions:
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Regularly required to work in a pool environment with exposure to chemicals such as chlorine.
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Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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Physically demanding role, requiring the ability to swim, lift, and respond to emergencies.
Qualifications:
Education & Certification:
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21 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent.
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Post secondary education in recreation is considered an asset.
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Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification (Alberta recognized).
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Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
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Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC) certification is an asset.
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Lifesaving Society Instructor certification.
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Pool Operator Level 1 certification or ability to obtain within first 6 months of hire.
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Minimum of 2 instructor trainer certifications (NL instructor, LSI instructor, First Aid instructor, Swim Coach) or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
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Minimum of 4 years of lifeguard in a pool environment.
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Previous senior leadership experience is an asset.
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Must be willing to work mornings, mid-day, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Experience:
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Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in an aquatic setting.
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Experience with pool operations, water chemistry testing, and facility maintenance.
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Experience instructing swim lessons and leadership programs is required.
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Knowledge of workplace safety, occupational health standards, and wellness practices is an asset.
Skills:
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Strong leadership and communication skills.
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Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle emergencies calmly.
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Knowledge of Alberta Health and Safety regulations for aquatic facilities.
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Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
This position is open to internal applicants in accordance with the CUPE Local 927 Collective Agreement.
Interested employees must apply through the ADP Workforce Now Internal Job Board no later than May 28, 2026.
