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Form of workJOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, this position monitors the use of the swimming pool and enforces safety rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
An incumbent in this classification patrols the swimming pool and aquatics facility to ensure safe and enjoyable program activities; and completes required department paperwork. Work is closely supervised and reviewed through regularly scheduled conferences, reports and evaluations.
Year Round: This is a part-time position, working throughout the year. Work schedules vary as needed. As a condition of employment, a lifeguard must be available for all in-service training, annual training dates and annual fitness performance test.
Seasonal: This is a seasonal part-time position, working during the school year (September to May) or the Summer (June to August). Work schedules vary as needed. As a condition of seasonal employment, a Lifeguard must be available for all in-service training, and during the entire seasoned worked.
Incumbents will be required to attend:
1. Orientation/training - Typically held Monday - Friday, from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., scheduled after hire date. Times and dates subject to change.
2. Pre-Summer Orientation/Training: TBD. Attendance is required on all dates.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Fitness test and interviews will be held on an as needed basis by appointment at the Downtown Aquatic Center. To be considered for possible employment, the following must be completed:
- Submit an online application. Applications will be screened for minimum qualifications. Candidates who meet the qualifications will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, Fitness Testing and Selection Interviews.
- Attend "In-Water Fitness Testing and Selection Interviews" on date you are scheduled. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be contacted by the City and invited to participate in this process.
Applicants will be notified by email if they meet the qualifications to attend the testing/selection process; at that time they will also be asked to sign a Registration/Waiver of Liability form. Applicants age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
TESTING CRITERIA:
In-Water Physical Fitness Test :
- Tread water for 120 seconds using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands above water;
- 25 yard dive and approach swim (head up) in 18 seconds or less;
- Complete a timed event within 90 seconds:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound swim brick.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- 200 yard swim in 3 minutes and 30 seconds or less
Applicants who complete the In-Water Physical Fitness Test will be invited to participate in the selection interviews. Interviews will begin after all the fitness testing is complete.
Required Certifications:
Applicants must provide proof of valid original certifications prior to the first day of employment. Minimum certification requirements are as follows:
- Lifeguarding with the inclusion of first aid and CPR/AED from the American Red Cross (ARC) or an equivalent certifying body, and the ability to obtain ARC Bloodborne Pathogens and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel within one year of hire date.
Desirable Certifications:
The following certifications are not required, but are considered highly desirable:
- ARC Lifeguard Instructor
- ARC Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
- ARC Water Safety Instructor Trainer
Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.
Applications must be completed and submitted on-line by the specified deadline to be considered for upcoming testing and selection date. Candidates are requested to provide specific information on their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
Patrols the swimming pool and aquatics facility including keeping a lookout for accidents in the water and pool area; warns patrons about dangerous practices with pool usage, follows and enforces pool regulations and codes in an effort to prevent patron activities.
Recognizes, enters water, and performs aquatic emergency rescues in the pool area; and administers artificial respiration, CPR/AED and first aid as needed.
Prepares facilities for regular operation of lap swim, lessons, and other daily operations. Removes and replaces pool covers and lane lines. Assists with routine pool cleaning and maintenance work on or around the swimming pool.
Assists in the monitoring of pool chemicals.
Assists with desk reception, telephone support and related customer service activities.
Accepts registration, collects fees, processes receipts, and accounts for money; acts as cashier as needed.
Performs other duties as required.
A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:
Education, Training and/or Experience:
Training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities as listed below. Previous paid or volunteer experience as a pool or beach lifeguard is desirable. Experience working with children and youth is desirable.
Must be at least 16 years of age or older. A work permit may be required for current high school students.
License and/or Certificate:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License may be required for certain positions. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.
A current (less than two years) tuberculosis clearance certificate by date of hire.
Candidate must submit proof of valid American Red Cross (or other state recognized) certificates in the following: Lifeguard Training, CPR/AED for Lifeguards, and First-Aid; or must show proof of enrollment in courses to obtain required certifications. Applicants must possess all required certifications by hire date.
First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications must be obtained within one year of hire.
All certifications must be maintained throughout employment in order to remain in the position. Failure to maintain certifications may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.
Requisite Knowledge and Skill Levels:
Knowledge of effective lifesaving techniques; and basic and advanced swimming strokes.
Knowledge of effective customer service techniques.
General knowledge of municipal recreation, water safety, and aquatic practices and principles.
Skilled in lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED techniques.
Skilled in reading, writing, and communicating in English at an appropriate level.
Requisite Abilities:
Ability to act quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations; ability to perform lifesaving and rescue techniques, including administering CPR/AED and First Aid.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Ability to swim with proficiency and endurance.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to perform basic mathematic computations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
Must be able to pass a fitness performance test annually for continued employment.
Candidates must be able to lift heavy weights (e.g., a child) and must be able to work for extended periods in the outdoors, exposed to the sun, water and varying temperatures.
Exposure to various swimming pool water chemicals, such as chlorine.
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
