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Head Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 members; become knowledgeable of all YMCA programs. * Educate patrons to the YMCA Mission statement and ...

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Head Guard information

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How much do head guard jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for head guard in the United States is $159,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head guard?

Head Guards are senior security professionals responsible for overseeing the safety and security of a facility or organization. They supervise a team of security guards, coordinate their activities, respond to emergencies, and ensure that security protocols are followed. Head Guards may also be involved in training new security personnel, reporting incidents, and liaising with law enforcement if necessary. Their leadership is vital for maintaining a secure environment and preventing unauthorized access or incidents.

How does a head guard balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on security duties?

As a Head Guard, you will often need to balance overseeing your team's performance with actively participating in daily security operations. This means you'll supervise scheduling, conduct training, and ensure protocols are followed, but you'll also respond directly to incidents and support team members on the ground. Effective communication and time management are essential, as you'll be expected to coordinate with management, law enforcement, and other departments to maintain a safe environment. This dual role provides valuable leadership experience while keeping you closely connected to the core security tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head guard?

To excel as a Head Guard, strong leadership abilities, security expertise, and experience in risk assessment are essential, often supported by relevant security certifications and supervisory experience. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting tools, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, decisiveness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective team management, the safety of personnel and property, and swift, appropriate responses to security threats.

What is the difference between Head Guard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead GuardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, sometimes AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises lifeguards, enforces safety rules, manages pool safetyMonitors swimmers, enforces rules, rescues when needed
ResponsibilitiesOversees team, handles safety protocols, reports incidentsPerforms rescues, enforces rules, assists swimmers

The main difference between a Head Guard and a Lifeguard is that the Head Guard has additional supervisory responsibilities, overseeing the lifeguard team and managing safety protocols, while a Lifeguard primarily focuses on monitoring swimmers and performing rescues. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Head Guard's role includes leadership and administrative duties within the pool environment.

What cities are hiring for Head Guard jobs?

Cities with the most Head Guard job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Guard jobs?

The most popular types of Guard jobs are:

What states have the most Head Guard jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Head Guard jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Head Guard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,999 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Head Lifeguard

Canandaigua, NY

YMCA of Greater Rochester
Fitness and Sports Centers • 1 - 5K employees

$18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


YMCA Of Greater Rochester rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

$18.75 per hour and a Free Family YMCA Membership

Sunday 7:30a-4p & Monday-Thursday 12-9p


Under the direction of the Aquatic Staff Associate, the Head Lifeguard will uphold the rules and the guidelines of the pool to ensure the safest environment for all members. 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 and core values of the YMCA of Greater Rochester is conveyed.



SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure pool is open each day on time and functioning properly
  • Ensure the safety of every individual at the YMCA, both in and around pool area.
  • Enforce all aquatic regulations including those pertaining to food and drink, and conduct.
  • Check pool and/or spa chemicals and address any issues with the pool and/or spa that require maintenance.
  • Ensure that the pool area is clean, tidy and in sanitary condition.
  • Assist with scheduling staff to cover shifts as needed to ensure safety ratios are met. The head guard is expected to fill in when there is a staff shortage.
  • Mentor and provide leadership to all lifeguards on staff.
  • Maintain accurate records as required by the NYS Health Department Sanitary Code.
  • Learn and review all emergency procedures and implement when required.
  • Assist in maintaining medical supplies as needed.
  • Responsible for program operation, quality and safety of pool area as assigned.
  • Ensure the safety of every individual at the YMCA, both in and around pool area by maintaining compliance with the YMCA of Greater Rochester Aquatic Safety Policies and Guidelines and NYS Health Department.
  • Maintain all required certifications.
  • Attend all required meetings, branch events, in-service, and trainings.
  • All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.


Requirements



Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.

Must have at least one-year lifeguarding experience

Must have current YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid Certification, and O2 Administration.

Must have YMCA Lifeguarding Instructor Certification or obtain it within 60 days of employment or have WSI and obtain YMCA certification within 60 days.

Must possess good communication skills to deliver excellent member service.

In addition to the above requirements, it is expected that the Head Lifeguard will bring to his/her position maturity, responsibility, positive values, and a sincere interest in working with people.



PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to stand for extended duration of shift.

Must be able to bend and stoop frequently.

Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

Must be able to stay in the pool for an extended period of time.

Must be able to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances, and communicate swiftly and effectively with emergency personnel in person and over the telephone.

Must be able to hear noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment, including in water, understanding that significant background noise exists in aquatic environments.



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