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Head Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard

Whitewater, WI · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Reports issues to Head Guard, and assists in documenting issues. * Logs appropriate training and in-service hours * Reports hazards or issues to Head Guard/Aquatics Coordinator * Assists with ...

Head Guards are responsible for the on-site operation of the pool in the absence of senior leadership and are expected to be available to handle any situations that arise. This position may assist ...

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reports issues to Head Guard, and assists in documenting issues. Logs appropriate training and in-service hours Reports hazards or issues to Head Guard/Aquatics ...

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Head Guard information

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$139.5K

$160K

$178K

How much do head guard jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Guard, and why are they important?

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.

How does the Head Guard role typically 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 Head Guards?

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.

What is a head guard job?

A head guard is responsible for overseeing pool safety, supervising lifeguards, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. They often hold certifications such as lifeguard training and first aid, and work in aquatic facilities to ensure a safe environment for swimmers.

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.

More about Head Guard jobs
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What states have the most Head Guard jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Guard jobs include:
Morning Lifeguard (7am - 12pm)

$13 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 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.