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Head Guard Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Lifeguard

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

Head Lifeguard

Penfield, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

Lifeguard

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$14/hr

The Lifeguard works and communicates with other WAFC employees, professional staff, pool patrons ... Reports issues to Head Guard, and assists in documenting issues. * Logs appropriate training and in ...

Head Lifeguard 2026

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $21.31/hr

Description The Head Guard provides general supervision for aquatic guarding and instruction. This ... Key elements in this job class include providing lifeguard and swim lesson services, preparation ...

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Head Guard Lifeguard information

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$24

$68

How much do head guard lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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:

Afternoon Lifeguard (12pm - 4pm)

Boca Raton, FL • On-site

YMCA of South Palm Beach County
201 - 500 employees

$13 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary(Age 16 and older may apply)

A YMCA Lifeguard is responsible for safeguarding patrons at the YMCA swimming pools by preventing injury, accidents or loss of life through any aquatic emergency. Lifeguards will perform water rescues, CPR with Automatic External Defibrillation use and/or first aid as necessary to anyone in distress within the aquatic center. A YMCA Lifeguard has a moral and professional obligation to prevent potential situations by enforcing the rules and regulations of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County and responding to any emergency that may occur. Lifeguards must be able to perform water rescues, CPR with AED, administer oxygen and deliver first aid to anyone in distress within the YMCA while on duty.

Essential Functions

  • Enforce pool rules, regulations and follow protocols set out in the YMCA of SPBC Aquatic Policy and Procedure Manual.

  • Prevent non-swimmers from entering deep water or moving into a high-risk area.

  • Provide consistent surveillance of pool area using the 10:10 rule of scanning.

  • Communicate effectively with others immediately when responding to an emergency

  • Maintain the 1:25 ratio of guard to patron.

  • Wear proper uniform including T-shirt, shorts, rescue tube, whistle, and nametag and breathing mask.

  • Attend all staff meetings and assist AD and AF with scheduled in-service trainings.

  • Properly complete all associated paperwork including timesheets, daily maintenance log, pool head count and all other forms.

  • Perform weekly endurance/distance swim of a total of 1000 yards. Get this signed off by the Head Guard.

  • Provide customer service to all members and program members; become knowledgeable of all YMCA programs.

  • Educate patrons to the YMCA Mission statement and demonstrate the YMCA character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility at all times.

  • Arrive to work at least 15 minutes before your scheduled shift, in uniform. Be in your Guard Chair by scheduled start time.

  • Be able to work scheduled shift beginning until the end of the shift. If you are unable to be there the entire shift, you must find a sub and notify the head guard in advance of your shift. If you do not find a sub, it is your responsibility to work the whole shift.

  • Lifeguard duties while off the stand includes, but is not limited to; ensuring they are maintain required duties such as pool maintenance, administering first aid if needed, swim testing patrons, filling out any necessary forms, completing any duties the Head Life Guard assigns, and any other tasks that the Aquatics Director/Coordinator may require.

  • Participate in facility fund raising, special events and Annual Campaign.

  • Maintain Aquatic center, pools and spa area in accordance with the National YMCA and PBC Health Codes.

  • Complete any assigned maintenance duties and ensure that duties are performed on a daily basis by aquatic staff.

Job Requirements

  • To be successful, you must meet some education, training and experience requirements and you must be able to demonstrate some critical knowledge, skills, and physical abilities.
  • Must be 16 years old at time of hire

Education, Training and Experience

  • Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification. All staff must be crossed over to YMCA Lifeguard within 90 days of hire date.

  • Current ASHI CPR-BLS, ASHI First Aid and ASHI Oxygen certification, ARC acceptable, must be crossed over within 90 days.

  • Think in the abstract, solve problems, make quick decisions, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.

  • Pass pre-hire skills test

YMCA COMPETENCIES (LEADER):

  • Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.

    People Oriented: Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

  • Results Oriented: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Supports fundraising. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.

  • Personal Development Oriented: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.

Working Conditions

  • May be required to lift and carry up to 100 lbs. in various forms.

  • May be required to sit for extended periods of time in an elevated Lifeguard chair, stand or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time.

  • Must exhibit patience and understanding.

  • Must be able to receive and follow detailed instructions.

  • Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind. Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor environment and children’s well-being.

  • May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time while demonstrating manual dexterity in order to accurately work on the phone, computer keyboard, and other equipment.

  • Must possess auditory, verbal and visual capabilities in order to adequately communicate via phone and in person.

  • Must be capable of working under pressure in an educational environment.

  • May be required to work outdoors

Disclaimers

  • Must complete successful criminal background check and drug screen

  • All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.

  • This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.