Head Life Guard

General Summary:

Under the direction and guidance of the Waterfront Director and consistent with the policies of Kanuga, the Head Lifeguard oversees the lifeguard staff to ensure the quality of service and safety of all guests and program participants within the waterfront area. The Assistant Waterfront Director will assist in the drilling of lifeguards, lifeguarding additional open shifts when needed, and maintaining all waterfront records and waterfront cleanliness. He/she is also accountable for knowing, practicing, and properly executing procedures, policies, and duties as well as ensuring that all lifeguard staff adheres to the same standards.

Qualifications:

The Head Lifeguard must be able to:

• Remain alert without lapses in consciousness for extended periods of time.
• Physically perform all necessary rescue and survival skills.
• Swim 500 yards, tread water for two minutes, and perform shallow front dives, head and feet-first surface dives.
• Lift 50 lbs. from the floor and 200 lbs. in rescue situations.
• Quickly and safely move to various locations in and around the waterfront area.
• Sit for extended periods of time, including in an elevated chair.
• Ascend and descend ladders.
• Communicate verbally with good voice projection and clarity.
• Hear noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment. (Significant background noise may exist in the aquatic environment.)
• Observe all areas of the waterfront area including deck, water surface, and boats.

Head Lifeguard must be 18 years of age or older with at least 2 seasons of previous lifeguarding experience.

Head Lifeguard must hold and maintain current certifications in the following:

• Lifeguard
•  American Red Cross is accepted for hire.
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer
• Standard First Aid
• Automated External Defibrillation ~ AED
• Emergency Oxygen Administration ~ O2 is encouraged

Essential Functions:

Head Lifeguard Responsibilities:

• Assist the Waterfront Director with the orientation of new lifeguard staff to facility specific policies and procedures by completing department orientation form prior to their first shift, including uniform requirements/distribution of uniform.
• Assist new lifeguard staff by assuring that they have read and understand the Kanuga Waterfront Manual.
• Assist in first shift shadowing for new lifeguard staff member if required by Waterfront Director. 
• Train new lifeguard staff on how to build relationships with guests.

When Lifeguarding:

Primary Duties (On the stand.)

• Wear required uniform while on duty: lifeguard shirt, bathing suit and/or shorts, whistle, tube and fanny pack containing pocket mask, gloves and other first aid items, other items as instructed by the Waterfront Director.
• Actively scan and maintain constant vigilance over aquatic area.
• Know and understand all aquatic policies and procedures, including the emergency action plan.
• Ensure the safety and protect the lives of each patron in the aquatic area at all times by enforcing all rules, policies and procedures.
• Be alert, diligent, and conscientious at all times.
• Display a professional, courteous, and tactful demeanor at all times. Always strive to display a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Continuously exhibit honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, reliability, flexibility, maturity, and good decision-making skills.
• Maintain harmonious rapport with staff and guests at all times.

Secondary Duties (Off the stand):

These are duties that can be completed while working a shift with adequate waterfront coverage or while you are off the stand.

• Maintain a high level of physical fitness and knowledge of all rescue and survival skills.
• Always report to duty on time and work all scheduled shifts. Find a qualified substitute and obtain approval from the immediate supervisor in the event that missing a scheduled shift is unavoidable.
• Attend and actively participate in all required aquatic staff training and meetings. 
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the waterfront and surrounding areas by completing required maintenance duties.
• Assist swimmers with swim tests.
• Accurately complete and submit all safety and maintenance records concerning the waterfront area and usage of the waterfront as outlined in the Waterfront Manual.
• Inspect and maintain all emergency equipment (Shepherd's Crooks, ring buoys, rescue tubes, etc.) and other waterfront equipment and inform the Waterfront Supervisor and/or Properties Director immediately of any necessary equipment repairs.
• Continually provide outstanding customer service, and strive to develop committed relationships with guests and program participants. 
• Initiate communications with the waterfront supervisor as necessary concerning program problems, personnel conflicts, and member concerns.
• Perform other duties as required by the Waterfront Director.

Effect on End Results:

Proper performance of the essential functions of the Assistant Waterfront Director will result in:

• A “Safety First” atmosphere in the waterfront.
• Effective and efficient emergency and rescue procedures.
• Positive and constructive evaluations and feedback (written and oral) from supervisors, guests, and program participants.
• Annual evaluations that reflect understanding of the waterfront policies and procedures.