About the position: 
Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons in and around the pool by maintaining constant surveillance, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. Lifeguards also assist with daily pool operations, facility upkeep, and customer service to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the community.

This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, in accordance with Washington State law.

Essential Function

Patron Safety & Surveillanc

• Maintain constant surveillance of the pool and deck.
• Enforce all pool rules, policies, and safety procedures.
• Anticipate hazards and take preventative action.
• Rescue swimmers in distress; provide emergency first aid, CPR, and AED response as needed. 
  

Facility & Operations Support

• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Perform water chemistry checks and maintain accurate records when necessary.
• Maintain clean restrooms, locker rooms, walkways, pool deck, and pool furniture; restock supplies as needed.
• Report hazards, equipment issues, or unsafe conditions promptly to supervisors.
• Assist with seasonal operations, including the setup and takedown of the pool dome as part of year-round duties.
• Attend all staff trainings and in-service sessions.
• Regularly check and respond to schedule updates, shift changes, and notifications through the facility’s online scheduling app.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with supervisors and team members regarding schedule confirmations, availability, or shift coverage needs.

Front Desk & Customer Service Responsibilities

• Greet patrons and visitors warmly, providing clear information about programs, schedules, and facility policies.
• Handle cash transactions, register patrons for programs and events using CommunityPass software, and check in patrons at the front desk.
• Answer phone calls in a professional, timely manner, directing inquiries to the appropriate staff when necessary.
• Resolve patron concerns politely and efficiently, escalating issues to supervisors when needed.
• Maintain front desk area in a clean, organized, and professional manner.
• Assist with program registration logistics, membership questions, and facility rentals.
• Promote upcoming programs, events, and memberships to patrons.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by the Aquatics Director or Swim Center Management.

Minimum Requirement: 

• Ages 15 and up
• Current certification in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (American Red Cross or equivalent) or ability to obtain certification before hire* (*see financial incentives & assistance information below)
• Ability to pass the American Red Cross pre-requisite skills check
• Must pass a background check
• Strong observation and communication skills
• Ability to remain focused and professional throughout shifts
• Must be punctual, reliable, and able to work as part of a team

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; balance; bend and reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Also occasionally required to climb ladders, sit, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust 
focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed both to a wet/humid indoor air-supported fabric dome and/or outdoor environment, involving exposure to pool chemicals and varying weather conditions. The position requires sitting and/or standing for extended periods, frequent walking on wet surfaces, kneeling, crouching, bending, and performing strenuous physical activity and rescues. The noise level in the indoor work environment is loud. 

Lifeguard Training and Certification

• Lopez Swim Center offers options for lifeguard training and certification, including financial incentives to cover costs for new hires.
• Lopez Swim Center will offer lifeguard training and certification classes starting in January/February 2026
• Ongoing classes and certifications will be available once the Lopez Swim Center is fully operational 
• Financial Incentives for Swim Center Hires: The Lopez Swim Center Lifeguard Training and Certification Class is $325, including all Red Cross fees and course materials. The following incentives available if completed and hired by the LSC:
• 50% of Fee Reimbursement: candidates who pass the course, are hired as lifeguards, and work a minimum of 60 hours within the first three months of employment will receive $162.50 reimbursement.
• Scholarships: The Lopez Swim Center Fund offers scholarships to individuals who are unable to pay the class fee.
• Reimbursement for Outside Training: If you take lifeguard training from another organization and are hired by the LSC, you are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the class cost (with receipt provided) once you work a minimum of 60 hours within the first three months of employment.

Lopez Swim Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer