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Head Lifeguard Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard Sergeant (5593)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Two (2) years as a Lifeguard Supervisor, Pool Manager, Head Lifeguard, or equivalent leadership position at a year-round aquatic facility; or * Four (4) seasons of supervisory experience with a ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Sterling, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Burke, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

North Bethesda, MD

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Stafford, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Brandywine, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! Essential Responsibilities * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

New

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Poolesville, MD · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Lifeguard (Summer Season)

Washington, DC

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

A lifeguard can move up to become a head lifeguard, supervisor, staffing assistant, lifeguard instructor, and other great aquatics positions! ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Monitor pool areas to ensure ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Lifeguard information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$9

$25

$71

How much do head lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for head lifeguard in Springfield, VA is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head lifeguard?

Head Lifeguards are experienced lifeguards who supervise other lifeguards and ensure the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or aquatic facilities. They oversee daily operations, enforce safety rules, conduct training sessions, and respond to emergencies. Additionally, Head Lifeguards may assist with scheduling, maintenance checks, and communication with facility management. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient aquatic environment.

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

To thrive as a Head Lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, advanced lifesaving knowledge, and certifications such as Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. Familiarity with pool safety systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for guiding staff and ensuring patron safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing accidents, managing emergencies, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by head lifeguards, and how are they typically addressed?

Head Lifeguards often face challenges such as managing a diverse team, ensuring consistent enforcement of safety protocols, and responding to emergencies efficiently. Balancing administrative duties—like scheduling and training—with active supervision on the pool deck can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through strong communication, regular staff training, and fostering a supportive team environment where all lifeguards feel empowered to raise concerns or suggest improvements.

What is the difference between Head Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises lifeguards, manages safety protocols, oversees pool areaPerforms water rescues, monitors swimmers, enforces rules
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, training, emergency response coordinationMonitoring, rescue, enforcing safety rules

The main difference between a Head Lifeguard and a Lifeguard is that the Head Lifeguard has additional leadership and supervisory responsibilities, overseeing other lifeguards and managing safety procedures. Both roles require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but the Head Lifeguard plays a key role in team management and emergency coordination.

How do you become a head lifeguard?

To become a head lifeguard, you typically need to have prior experience as a lifeguard, hold current certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, and demonstrate leadership skills. Many employers require candidates to pass a skills assessment and have a good safety record before advancing to a supervisory role.

What does a head lifeguard do?

A head lifeguard oversees the safety of swimmers and enforces pool or beach rules. They supervise other lifeguards, respond to emergencies, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid is typically required for this role.

Where do head lifeguards make the most money?

Head lifeguards tend to earn higher salaries at large aquatic facilities, water parks, and private clubs, especially in regions with higher living costs. Experience, certifications such as CPR and first aid, and the size of the facility can also influence pay rates.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA?

For Head Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Head Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Head Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Lifeguard job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,750 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Lifeguard Sergeant (5593)

Springfield, VA • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Lifeguard Sergeant

Department of Safety & Rescue

Springfield Flagship | Springfield, Virginia


Great leaders don't inherit great teams. They build them.


The St. James Department of Safety & Rescue (DSR) is seeking experienced aquatic professionals who are ready to do more than supervise a shift.


At The St. James, a Lifeguard Sergeant is more than a shift supervisor. You'll be entrusted with strengthening the people, operations, and systems that allow our Department to perform at its best.


As a Lifeguard Sergeant, you'll help lead one of the region's most progressive life safety organizations—developing exceptional responders while delivering professional safety services across one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment destinations.


If you're looking for a leadership role where your influence extends beyond today's shift—where you help shape the future of your team, your facility, and your Department—you'll find something different here.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities include:

  • Developing and mentoring lifeguards through coaching, training, and accountability.
  • Leading daily aquatic operations and emergency response activities.
  • Maintaining high standards across staffing, equipment, facilities, and operational readiness.
  • Supporting members, guests, coaches, athletes, and community partners through professional service.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve training, procedures, and department operations.
  • Working alongside fellow Officers to strengthen the Department through continuous improvement.

Who You Are

We can teach policies. We can't teach leadership.

You're someone who:

  • Leads by example.
  • Coaches rather than commands.
  • Builds trust through consistency.
  • Remains calm under pressure.
  • Takes ownership without waiting to be asked.
  • Holds yourself—and those you lead—to a higher standard.
  • Finds satisfaction in helping people and organizations become stronger.

Why This Role Matters

Every decision you make as a Lifeguard Sergeant reaches far beyond the shift in front of you.


It influences the confidence of your team, the professionalism of our operations, the experience of every member and guest, and the continued growth of the Department itself.


If you're looking for a leadership role where you're entrusted with strengthening the people, operations, and systems that allow our Department to perform at its best, we'd like to meet you.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

  • Two (2) years as a Lifeguard Supervisor, Pool Manager, Head Lifeguard, or equivalent leadership position at a year-round aquatic facility; or
  • Four (4) seasons of supervisory experience with a seasonal lifeguard organization.
  • Ocean rescue, surf rescue, waterfront rescue, ski patrol, EMS, fire, military, or other emergency response leadership experience is highly valued.


Education & Professional Development

  • Demonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to continuous professional development are expected.
  • College coursework or a degree in a related field is preferred but not required.


Certifications

  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or equivalent).
  • Current Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI), or the ability to obtain within six months.
  • Virginia and National Registry EMT certification, or the ability to obtain within one year.

Interested in Joining Our Leadership Team?

Visit www.thestjames.com/safety-rescue or contact Randy Cooper at randy.cooper@thestjames.com to begin the conversation.

The St. James is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.