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Head Guard Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wave Aquatics

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA

$20 - $23/hr

While on shift, Head Guards act as the lead guard on duty, supporting daily operations and ... American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification American Red Cross Lifeguard Management ...

Wave Aquatics

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

While on shift, Head Guards act as the lead guard on duty, supporting daily operations and ... American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification American Red Cross Lifeguard Management ...

Montrose Recreation District

Head Guard

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations ... Serves as the Lead Lifeguard on duty. * Performs regular safety checks and keeps first aid supplies ...

Parks Tacoma

Head Guard (Lifeguard III)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$21 - $23.28/hr

Current Lifeguard, First Aid and Basic Life Support or Professional Rescuer CPR certifications required. Additional Information This position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to random ...

Parks Tacoma

Head Guard (Lifeguard III)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$21 - $23.28/hr

Current Lifeguard, First Aid and Basic Life Support or Professional Rescuer CPR certifications required. Additional Information This position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to random ...

Montrose Recreation District

Head Guard

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations ... Serves as the Lead Lifeguard on duty. * Performs regular safety checks and keeps first aid supplies ...

LIFEGUARD 4 HIRE

Lifeguard

Austin, TX · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Head Guards, District Supervisor, and Aquatics Director Job Purpose We are seeking responsible and attentive Seasonal Lifeguards to help ensure the safety of all patrons at our facility. Lifeguards ...

LIFEGUARD 4 HIRE

Lifeguard

Austin, TX

$14 - $18/hr

Head Guards, District Supervisor, and Aquatics Director Job Purpose We are seeking responsible and attentive Seasonal Lifeguards to help ensure the safety of all patrons at our facility. Lifeguards ...

Herschend

Water Country - Head Guard

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

Head Guards are responsible for the care and safety all guests and employees in the park. Leads ... lifeguard rotations are within the Ellis and Associates standards • Ensure lifeguards are ...

YMCA of South Palm Beach County

Lifeguard

Boynton Beach, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Get this signed off by the Head Guard. * Provide customer service to all members and program ... Lifeguard duties while off the stand includes, but is not limited to; ensuring they are maintain ...

YMCA of South Palm Beach County

Lifeguard

Boynton Beach, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Get this signed off by the Head Guard. * Provide customer service to all members and program ... Lifeguard duties while off the stand includes, but is not limited to; ensuring they are maintain ...

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Head Guard Lifeguard information

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How much do head guard lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for head guard lifeguard in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head guard lifeguard?

Head Guard Lifeguards are experienced lifeguards who oversee the safety and operations at aquatic facilities such as pools or beaches. They supervise other lifeguards, manage emergency situations, conduct training, and ensure all safety protocols are followed. Head Guard Lifeguards also help with scheduling, maintain equipment, and may interact with facility management or the public regarding aquatic safety. Their role is critical in providing leadership and ensuring a safe environment for swimmers and staff.

How does the head guard lifeguard role differ from a standard lifeguard position in terms of daily responsibilities and leadership duties?

As a Head Guard Lifeguard, you not only perform all standard lifeguarding duties like monitoring swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to emergencies, but you are also responsible for supervising the lifeguard team, scheduling shifts, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with facility protocols. You will often serve as the primary point of contact between management and staff, providing guidance and support to team members. Additionally, you may be involved in staff training, incident report reviews, and ongoing facility safety assessments. This leadership role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to manage and motivate a team in a dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head guard lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Guard Lifeguard, you need advanced lifesaving skills, strong swimming ability, and leadership experience, typically supported by certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. Familiarity with rescue equipment, facility emergency protocols, and incident reporting systems is essential. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team management skills set standout candidates apart in this supervisory role. These competencies ensure safe aquatic environments, effective emergency response, and strong team coordination under pressure.

What is the difference between Head Guard Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead Guard LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, and often AED trainingCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, and often AED training
Work EnvironmentPool, water park, or beach with supervisory responsibilitiesPool, water park, or beach focused on surveillance and rescue
ResponsibilitiesOversees other lifeguards, enforces safety rules, manages emergency responsesMonitors swimmers, enforces safety rules, performs rescues

The main difference is that a Head Guard Lifeguard has additional supervisory and leadership duties, overseeing other lifeguards and ensuring overall safety management, while a Lifeguard primarily focuses on surveillance and rescue tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the Head Guard Lifeguard holds a leadership position within the team.

How do you become a head guard lifeguard?

To become a head guard lifeguard, you typically need to have prior experience as a lifeguard, hold current certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, and demonstrate strong leadership and supervisory skills. Many employers prefer candidates with additional training or certifications in water rescue and emergency response, and they often require a certain number of hours worked as a lifeguard before promotion.

Where do head guard lifeguards get paid the most?

Head guard lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for aquatic safety staff, such as affluent urban areas or popular tourist destinations. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the size of the facility or organization they work for.

What cities are hiring for Head Guard Lifeguard jobs?

Cities with the most Head Guard Lifeguard job openings:

What states have the most Head Guard Lifeguard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Guard Lifeguard jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Head Guard Lifeguard jobs?

For Head Guard Lifeguard jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Head Guard Lifeguard jobs near you

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA

Wave Aquatics
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Wave Aquaticsexternal

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

A Wave Aquatics Head Guard is responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of pool patrons and staff. While on shift, Head Guards act as the lead guard on duty, supporting daily operations and assisting with decisions related to facility needs, safety concerns, and scheduling adjustments when a Director is not present.

Head Guards foster a cohesive and cooperative environment by working closely with the Pool Director and Lifeguard Coordinator. This role includes leading and responding to emergency situations, supporting on-deck operations, maintaining equipment, and providing a high level of customer service to patrons and families.


Schedule


Wave has one opening for a full time head guard at the Juanita Aquatics Center. The initial schedule for this position is:

  • Position 1: Monday to Wednesday, 2pm to 10pm and Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm to 9:30pm


Key Responsibilities:

Ensure the safety of all patrons and staff at all times

Assist with daily operations, including facility setup, lifeguard rotations, and equipment readiness

Execute emergency action plans, including First Aid, CPR, and water and land rescues; complete required documentation

Provide lifeguard coverage as needed to maintain safe staffing levels

Complete and verify daily and weekly maintenance tasks

Assist with lifeguard in-services, training, and required meetings

Provide professional customer service to patrons

Follow and enforce all policies and procedures outlined in the Wave Aquatics Handbook

Complete end-of-shift reports and communication

Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor


Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age

Previous experience in aquatics

Current American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certification

High School Diploma or GED (in progress accepted)

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to problem-solve and respond effectively in emergency and operational situations within an aquatic environment


Preferred Qualifications:

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification

American Red Cross Lifeguard Management certification or equivalent supervisory experience


Work Environment:

This role is primarily active and on-deck, with some administrative responsibilities as needed. Weekend, holiday, and evening hours may be required.

Moderate noise levels are typical in the work environment.

Work takes place in an aquatic setting, which may be warm and humid.


Physical Demands:

Maintain the physical fitness and stamina required to uphold lifeguard certifications and respond to emergencies

Ability to lift and/or move up to 75 pounds

Vision abilities required include both close and distance monitoring

Continuous alertness to noises, distress signals, and surrounding activity

Maintain constant awareness of the environment to ensure the safety of patrons and staff

Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and kneel for extended periods as needed



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