LIFEGUARD OPS

Work Location: Lincoln Park: 715 17th Street East, Palmetto, Florida 34221; G.T. Bray Aquatics Center: 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, Florida 34209

Work Hours: Monday – Sunday, variable hours including weekends, early mornings and evenings, and holidays to support operational needs

**Recruiting to fill positions until September 30th, 2026**

Serving in a non-supervisory capacity, is responsible for safeguarding swimmers at County pool facilities, taking actions necessary to maintain water safety and prevent injury. Performs related duties as assigned, i.e., pool and facility maintenance. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences and for results obtained. Position is subject to flexible work schedules, including weekends, holidays mornings, and evenings.

This is a 6-month temporary seasonal position.

To be considered for the Seasonal OPS Pool Lifeguard position you will be required to attend one of the swim tryout events. Upon passing the swim tryout candidates may be conditionally offered employment, pending HR Background Test and Drug Screen. Candidates must successfully complete within the first 30 days of hiring Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid (Deep Water) Certification.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and continued employment with Manatee County Government is contingent upon passing pre-employment and employment screenings identified in Section XX of the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual. An applicant/employee who fails to pass a drug/alcohol screening, shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of three (3) years.

Working Conditions
Indoor/Outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 50 lbs. alone; up to 75 lbs. with assistance.

Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Candidates will not perform the duties listed below until successful completion of Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED/First Aid (Deep Water). Candidates will have limited hours due to addressing their online certification work and in water certification skills/drills/tests.

Maintains constant supervision of the Aquatic Facility and its visitors, recognizing dangerous/hazardous situations and takes immediate action in prevention or responding to emergencies, including performing rescues, artificial respiration and CPR, or First Aid when necessary.

Enforces County rules, regulations and ordinances and maintains order to ensure patrons enjoy their visits at the aquatic facilities. Warns patrons against dangerous practices and keeps weak or non-swimmers out of deep or dangerous water. Explains and interprets rules and regulations for patrons.

Performs routine maintenance, keeping locker rooms, restrooms, and pool areas clean and sanitary.

Inspects pool, pool deck, and surrounding areas for safety and cleanliness.

Reports all accidents to supervisors.

Able to provide clear and concise communication to co-workers, patrons and the public.

Provides good public relations, answering phones and communicating with members of the public around the facility.

Maintains records and reports.

Establishes and maintains effective, courteous and proactive relationships with co-workers and the public while representing the County in a professional matter both on and off work locations.

Understands and appropriately carry out instructions, oral and written.

Ready to get into the pool every working day.

Attends scheduled In-services.

Logs data/ creates reports as directed. Ensure completion of appropriate incident reports.

Operates County equipment including radios.

Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Must be at least 16 years of age.

Must possess or be able to acquire within 30 days a current Red Cross (Deep Water) Lifeguard Certification.

Must possess or be able to acquire within 30 days a current American Red Cross CPR-Professional Rescuer/AED and First Aid.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of, and ability to appropriately apply, principles and practices of water safety and lifesaving procedures. Ability to work flexible work schedules, including weekends, holidays, mornings, and evenings when required.

Ability to react quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergencies. Ability to see and hear sufficiently to ensure safety of patrons.

Skill and physical ability in swimming, making rescues, resuscitation, and First Aid.

Ability to respond to the public in a calm effective manner including exercising tact, firmness, and good judgement in enforcing rules, and regulations.

Ability to learn and follow emergency action plans.

Physical Requirements

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, crawling, pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching, repetitive motions. Lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds alone, up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Must be able to hear enough to understand what others are saying in normal conversations on the phone or in person.

The ability to hear and detect specific noises.

Must be able to speak enough to communicate verbally/orally with others in person, on the phone and to yell when needed.

Must be able to see to spot swimmers/patrons, fine print, and computer screens.

Other Requirements

Must be willing and able to operate multi-line phones, printers/copiers and computers.

Work requires proficiency with chemical reagents, vacuums, pressure cleaners and similar equipment found in pool/aquatic facilities.