Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Head Lifeguard

🎯 Role Definition

The Head Lifeguard is the senior-most safety and operational leader on the pool deck, serving as the cornerstone of the aquatics team. This role moves beyond standard lifeguarding duties to encompass team leadership, staff development, risk management, and operational oversight. The Head Lifeguard is ultimately responsible for ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming aquatic environment for all patrons by mentoring lifeguard staff, enforcing policies with authority and diplomacy, and acting as the primary responder in critical incidents. This position requires a blend of expert-level lifesaving skills, strong leadership presence, and a proactive approach to facility management.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Lifeguard
Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
Swim Instructor Coordinator

Advancement To:

Aquatics Coordinator / Supervisor
Assistant Pool Manager / Pool Manager
Recreation Director

Lateral Moves:

Facility Operations Coordinator
Safety and Risk Management Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the lifeguard team, providing ongoing coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback to foster a culture of excellence and vigilance.
Plan, schedule, and conduct regular, high-quality in-service training sessions and emergency action plan (EAP) drills to ensure staff skills remain sharp and response times are optimized.
Act as the lead responder and incident commander during major emergencies, providing expert-level first aid, CPR, and rescue care while effectively directing staff and coordinating with emergency medical services.
Enforce all pool rules, facility policies, and safety regulations consistently and courteously to prevent accidents and ensure a positive experience for all guests.
Oversee the daily operations of the aquatic facility, including managing staff rotations, break schedules, and zone coverage to maintain constant and effective patron surveillance.
Conduct daily inspections of the pool area, rescue equipment, and first aid supplies to ensure everything is in proper working order and fully stocked for immediate use.
Monitor water chemistry by performing and logging regular pool chemical tests, making necessary adjustments to chlorine, pH, and other levels to comply with health department standards.
Maintain comprehensive and accurate records, including incident reports, daily operational logs, staff certifications, chemical test results, and attendance data.
Serve as the primary point of contact for patron inquiries, concerns, and complaints, resolving issues professionally and escalating them to management when necessary.
Lead the opening and closing procedures for the aquatic facility, ensuring all tasks are completed thoroughly and the environment is secure.
Proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards in and around the pool deck, taking corrective action to address risks before they result in an incident.
Demonstrate and model exemplary lifeguarding skills and a professional demeanor at all times, setting a high standard for the entire aquatics team.
Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring process for new lifeguard staff, providing valuable insight into candidate qualifications and team fit.
Manage and communicate staff schedules effectively, ensuring all shifts are covered and that lifeguard-to-patron ratios meet or exceed established safety guidelines.
Uphold a comprehensive understanding of all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to aquatic facility operation and safety.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Aquatics Manager with budget tracking for supplies, equipment, and payroll.
Manage the inventory of all first aid, rescue, and pool maintenance supplies, placing orders as needed to prevent shortages.
Collaborate with other departments to support facility-wide special events, swim meets, and private rentals that involve the aquatic area.
Develop and distribute communications to the lifeguard team regarding policy updates, scheduling changes, and important announcements.
Represent the aquatics department in facility-wide safety meetings, contributing to broader organizational risk management strategies.
Engage with the community to promote water safety awareness and aquatic programming.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Certifications: Current and valid certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and Advanced First Aid are mandatory.
Instructor-Level Credentials: Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and/or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certifications are highly desirable.
Water Chemistry Management: Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification, or demonstrated experience in testing and maintaining pool water chemistry.
Emergency Response: Mastery of emergency action plans (EAPs), including spinal injury management, active drowning response, and multi-victim scenarios.
Rescue Equipment Proficiency: Expertise in the use, maintenance, and inspection of all standard rescue equipment, including rescue tubes, backboards, and bag-valve-masks.
Administrative Software: Competency in using scheduling software, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), and incident reporting systems.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team, fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
Decisiveness Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, think clearly, and make critical, life-saving decisions in high-stress emergency situations.
Assertive Communication: Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills to clearly enforce rules, provide instruction, and de-escalate conflicts with patrons and staff.
Vigilance & Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for detail and the ability to maintain intense focus and situational awareness for extended periods.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying potential issues and resourceful in finding effective and timely solutions to operational and safety challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Current, advanced American Red Cross (or equivalent) Lifeguard certifications.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Recreation and Park Administration
Kinesiology or Exercise Science
Sports Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 2-3 seasons of lifeguarding experience, with demonstrated progression in responsibility.

Preferred:

1-2 years of experience in a supervisory role such as Senior Lifeguard, Lead Lifeguard, or Head Lifeguard is strongly preferred. Experience in a high-volume aquatic facility is a significant asset.