Lifeguard

Purpose of Job

The Lifeguard plays a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of safety, wellbeing, and operational excellence across the school’s aquatic facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming aquatic environment for all students, staff, and visitors while ensuring that pool operations meet the highest standards of health, safety, and safeguarding.

Working within a premium international school environment, the Lifeguard will demonstrate professionalism, vigilance, and a proactive approach to student welfare, risk prevention, and operational safety. The role requires an individual who values teamwork, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and contributes positively to the wider aquatics programme and school community.

Lifeguarding Responsibilities

• Ensure the swimming pool and surrounding aquatic areas are supervised at all times in accordance with operational procedures and safety requirements.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming aquatic environment for all pool users.
• Observe pool users attentively, identify risks proactively, and prevent unsafe behaviour before incidents occur.
• Respond effectively and confidently to emergencies using appropriate rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR procedures.
• Promote water safety awareness and encourage safe behaviour among students and pool users.
• Ensure school behaviour expectations are upheld in a calm, professional, and consistent manner.
• Maintain vigilance during all pool operations, school activities, recreational swimming sessions, and aquatic events.
• Participate fully in ongoing lifeguard training, emergency response practices, and professional development.

Pool Operations & Health and Safety Responsibilities

• Conduct opening and closing procedures for the swimming pool and aquatic facilities.
• Carry out routine inspections of poolside areas, safety equipment, and lifesaving resources to ensure operational readiness.
• Monitor pool chemical levels and water quality to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, maintaining accurate records where required.
• Complete daily operational checks and administration logs accurately and efficiently.
• Ensure the aquatic environment remains clean, safe, organised, and well-maintained at all times.
• Identify hazards promptly and report maintenance, operational, or health and safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Support health and safety inspections and contribute to maintaining high operational standards throughout the aquatics facilities.

Student Welfare & Safeguarding Responsibilities

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and youths. The Lifeguard is expected to contribute actively to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Responsibilities include:

• Promoting student well-being and maintaining a visible, approachable, and professional presence around aquatic facilities.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding practices at all times.
• Recognising and reporting concerns relating to student welfare, behaviour, or safety in accordance with school procedures.
• Supporting an inclusive environment where all students feel safe, respected, and supported.

Aquatics Event Support

• Assist with the safe and efficient operation of swimming galas, aquatics events, water polo activities, and other school sporting events where required.
• Support facility setup and operational readiness for aquatics activities and competitions.
• Work collaboratively with the Aquatics and Operations teams to ensure events are delivered safely and professionally.

Requirements

Essential

• A recognised lifeguard qualification (e.g., RLSS NPLQ, Red Cross Lifeguard, Ellis & Associates, or equivalent internationally recognised certification).
• Current First Aid and CPR qualification.
• Experience working as a lifeguard, pool supervisor, or within a related aquatic environment.
• Strong awareness of health and safety procedures.
• Excellent observation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Positive, proactive, and solution-focused attitude.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to contribute positively to the school community.
• Good English communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience working in an international school environment.
• Experience supporting swimming events or aquatics programmes.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection within an educational setting.
• Additional health, safety, or aquatic qualifications.