Head Lifeguard

Company: Highlands Recreation District
Location: San Mateo
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Job Title : Head Lifeguard Classification Title: Part Time, Hourly Status: Part Time - Non-Exempt Department: Aquatics Supervisor: Aquatic Supervisor Primary Location: Pool The Highlands Recreation District operates under the Community Services District law pursuant to the government code 61000 et seq, for the purpose of providing recreational services within the District. Services are provided under the leadership and direction of an elected Board of Directors. The Highlands Recreation District maintains facilities including the Recreation Center, Early Education Center, After School Center, Tennis Courts, Pool, and Playgrounds in addition to a variety of programs, services, and annual special events. Mission The Highlands Recreation District is dedicated to providing beneficial and enriching programs and services to its patrons and a place to create and promote health, well-being, and community. Job Summary The Head Lifeguard assists in the daily operations of the aquatic facility including assisting in the on-deck oversight and support of lifeguard staff during work hours, supporting safe pool operations, and maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for patrons. The position reports to the Aquatics Supervisor and receives general supervision and direction from the Aquatics Coordinator. Essential Functions and Tasks The Head Lifeguard is responsible for supporting safe and effective operations of the pool during their shift. Essential duties include, but are not limited to: Ensure that all lifeguards perform required duties, adhere to facility rules and standards, and maintain a high level of professionalism. Consistently enforce pool rules, identify and address hazards, and ensure the safety of all swimmers and patrons in a professional manner. Perform all lifeguard responsibilities including surveillance of pool activities, performing water rescues, rendering first aid and/or CPR. Provides supplemental lifeguard coverage as necessary. Maintain shift supervision of program activities, swimmers, guests, rentals, and pool parties to ensure patron safety and compliance with established standards. Assist in supervising lifeguard staff during shifts, overseeing on-shift performance, and coordinating on-shift scheduling gaps to ensure sufficient coverage of all aquatic areas during daily operations, facility rentals, and required in-service training. Assist with staff lifeguard training for all aspects of job responsibilities including assisting with the on-deck preparation and implementation of in-service training(s) and assisting with orientations for new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities. Identify and communicate transparent, balanced feedback on staff performance and shift operations during assigned Head Lifeguard shifts to the Aquatics Supervisor and Aquatics Coordinator; offer on-deck verbal coaching to staff for minor issues and immediate safety concerns; and refer repeated concerns, unsafe behavior, or matters requiring formal discipline to the Aquatics Supervisor or Recreation Coordinator. Act as a liaison for communication between Aquatics Coordinator & Aquatic Supervisor, patrons, and the Lifeguard staff. Perform facility opening and closing duties, including completing required pre-opening safety checks, preparing the facility for operations, and following all closing procedures to ensure the aquatics facility is properly secured. Conduct daily safety and cleanliness inspections of pool deck and aquatics facility, pool bathrooms, and lifeguard office. Inspect all pool and water toys/equipment, evaluating for proper function and safety. Remove items brought to the pool which pose a safety risk. Assist with on-shift cash control and financial transaction procedures to ensure accuracy and accountability, including proper care of cash register monies during opening and closing procedures. During shift, maintain accurate logs, accident/incident reports, and lifeguard audit records under the direction of the Aquatic Supervisor. Report maintenance and facility repair needs to Aquatic Supervisor. Monitor water chemistry directly from the pool at the required intervals and promptly report any concerns, irregularities, or imbalances to the Aquatics Supervisor or Maintenance Manager for follow-up. Clear pool in the event of an emergency or safety hazard. Close facility if needed under the direction of the Aquatic Supervisor. Answer patron inquiries professionally and provide a positive and safe environment for all users; communicate appropriately and professionally with patrons, staff, and management. Maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all patrons and employees. Requirements: Essential Knowledge and Abilities · Ability to recognize and respond effectively in emergency situations. · Strong knowledge of lifeguarding principles, water safety practices, and emergency response procedures, including CPR, AED, and First Aid. · Skilled in enforcing facility rules with professionalism, sound judgment, and consistent application, while maintaining positive patron interactions. · Ability to effectively lead, supervise, and motivate lifeguard staff, providing on-shift mentoring, direction, coaching, and feedback. · Knowledge of aquatics record keeping practices and ability to complete accurate documentation, including incident reports, operational logs, and safety records. · Knowledge of safe and accepted pool practices including opening/closing procedures, risk management practices, and safety protocols. · Ability to establish and maintain effective and desirable working relationships with other staff and the community. · Ability to make sound judgements regarding pool safety, employees, and patrons including the ability to maintain composure and make appropriate decisions during daily operations or emergency situations. · Strong customer service skills, with the ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused environment. · Ability to work independently and as part of a team, overseeing shift operations. · Knowledge of lifeguard training, lifeguarding principles and best practices, and be able to perform physical skills as required. · Strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and the ability to interact effectively with patrons, staff, and management. Required Qualifications · Minimum 260 hours of experience performing duties as a lifeguard · Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification with CPR, First Aid, and AED · Completion (or equivalent) of the tenth grade · Successful completion of an in-water skills test Desired Qualifications · 520 hours of experience performing duties as a lifeguard and swim instructor · Completion (or equivalent) of the eleventh grade · American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor or equivalent · Previous experience working with and leading a team Physical Demands and Work Environment This position operates in a variety of environments, including a traditional office setting as well as indoor and outdoor program-based facilities. The physical risks and demands of this position are described below. · While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; swim; run; squat; lift; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands overhead and use arms; use controlled breathing; talk and hear. · Perform work, which involves frequent lifting, pushing and pulling of heavy objects; · Hear and distinguish a variety of sounds in a noisy environment such as participants in need of assistance, whistles, or co-workers requesting assistance in a rescue effort; · Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hourly Range: $19.50-$23.50 This position is exempt from the provisions of Section 1 of the California Industrial Welfare Commission Orders. In general, the position works on a schedule based on business needs and requires early morning, evening, weekend, and holidays. Benefits This position is employed through the Highlands Recreation District which offers employees of this classification to receive paid sick time, Simple IRA retirement account participation with up to a 3% District match (if employee makes more than $5,000 in a year) , and employee discounts in accordance with Highlands Recreation District Employee Handbook. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action The Highlands Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self- disclose. Required Staff Training Prior and during hiring process, all employees are required to complete the following compliance online training sessions through Paylocity. Employees will be enrolled in the training soon after their appointment is processed and will be notified via email from the HR department. Injury and Illness Prevention Program - one time course Discrimination and Harassment – required every two years. Mandated reporter training certificate Background Check and Fingerprinting Employees are required to undergo and complete a successful background check that includes verification of employment and education, as well as a check of criminal records for employment. Candidates for positions where the employee will come in regular contact with minors will be required to be fingerprinted. This policy includes emergency hires and may also be applicable to volunteers depending on the work they will be doing. In some cases, a background check will include a Department of Motor Vehicles check, as well as a check of licenses and certificates when applicable. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act All childcare workers are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Department of Social Services, Child Care Licensing.

Keywords: Highlands Recreation District, Watsonville , Head Lifeguard, Hospitality & Tourism , San Mateo, California