Lifeguard Application
Information for First Year Lifeguard Applicants
◦ More than 45-50 Lifeguards will be hired to work at both John Sevier Pool (Maryville) and Springbrook Pool (Alcoa). All Lifeguards work at both pools on a rotating schedule. You do not have to be currently certified to apply, however, you must obtain certification prior to the pools opening. The reason such a large number of Lifeguards are needed for only 2 pools is because they not only work when the pool is open to the public during regular operating hours, they also work morning and evening hours the pool is not open to the general public when many other activities are scheduled. These include early morning clean up, swim lessons, swim team practices, Blount County Schools Day Care pool time, Aqua Aerobics classes and evening private party rentals.
◦ You must be age 15 or older to obtain Lifeguard Certification. Each applicant must complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course which includes Lifeguarding, First Aid, and Professional Rescuer CPR/AED. Proof of this certification will be required before you are scheduled to work. The Lifeguard Certification is good for a period of 2 years. Parks & Rec will be conducting Lifeguard Certification Courses in the Spring at a reduced cost for those who will be working for Parks & Rec.
◦ The offer of employment is contingent upon becoming certified and you will be required to attend an orientation session for new Lifeguards and an in-pool skills assessment conducted by the Parks & Rec Aquatics Staff. You will be notified of the times and dates of these sessions and you will be paid for time spent in this training. The payment will be added to your first paycheck after the pools opens in May. If you attend these sessions and then decide not to work for Parks & Rec, you will not be paid for your time.
◦ The rate of pay for a first-year Lifeguards is $10.50 per hour. Paychecks are issued every two weeks on Fridays. Off-duty Lifeguards receive free admission to both pools. This does not include additional family members.
◦ Parks & Rec pays 1/2 the cost of Lifeguard suits. A Lifeguard shirt and whistle are provided free-of-charge.
General Definition of Work
Employees in this classification are under the supervision of the Pool Manager and the Aquatics Supervisor. Work performed is in the monitoring of swimmers and the performance of rules enforcement, rescue, first-aid and lifesaving maneuvers. Additional duties include clean-up tasks as scheduled to insure the health and safety of patrons and employees.
Essential Functions
- Must be able to maintain constant attentiveness to pool zone when on chair duty.
- Must be able perform rescue and life saving practices both in the water and out.
- Must be able to remain calm and collected in emergency situations.
- Must be able to treat pool patrons and co-workers with professionalism and respect.
- Must be able to work with scheduling software/apps to schedule shifts.
- Must be able to take direction from the Aquatics Supervisor, Pool Manager and/or Head Lifeguard.
Examples of Work Performed- Monitors appointed pool zone for emergency situations and rules violations.
- Performs water rescues, rescue breathing, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first-aid and use of an automatic defibrillator (AED) as needed.
- When not on the lifeguard stand, performs cleaning and sanitation duties as well as garbage removal in the bath houses/restrooms, the pool area and the grounds.
- First-year Lifeguards are expected to participate in the teaching of scheduled swim classes when needed. Training on the procedures related to these classes is provided at the beginning of the season.
Required Knowledge and Abilities- Must be certified in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
- Must be knowledgeable of all swimming pool rules and emergency procedures.
- Must be knowledgeable in safe practices related to blood borne pathogen control.
- Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
- Must have the ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
