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Water Safety Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Waukesha

Water Safety Instructor

Waukesha, WI

$18 - $21/hr

In addition, is directly responsible for supervising duties of assigned Water Safety Instructor Aides. Assists and reports to supervising staff in providing American Red Cross progressive swim ...

City of Waukesha

Water Safety Instructor

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

In addition, is directly responsible for supervising duties of assigned Water Safety Instructor Aides. Assists and reports to supervising staff in providing American Red Cross progressive swim ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Water Safety Instructor

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

In addition, is directly responsible for supervising duties of assigned Water Safety Instructor Aides. Assists and reports to supervising staff in providing American Red Cross progressive swim ...

City of Waukesha

Water Safety Instructor

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

In addition, is directly responsible for supervising duties of assigned Water Safety Instructor Aides. Assists and reports to supervising staff in providing American Red Cross progressive swim ...

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Water Safety Supervisor information

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$86K

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How much do water safety supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for water safety supervisor in the United States is $85,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Safety Supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Safety Supervisor, you need strong knowledge of aquatic safety protocols, lifeguarding skills, and certifications such as Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR. Familiarity with pool management systems, emergency response equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important soft skills for supervising staff and ensuring patron safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment.

What degree do you need to be a water quality specialist?

A water safety supervisor or water quality specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Relevant certifications and experience in water testing, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance are also important for the role.

What do you need to become a safety supervisor?

To become a water safety supervisor, candidates typically need relevant experience in water safety or lifeguarding, along with certifications such as lifeguard training and first aid. Many positions also require a valid CPR certification and sometimes a specialized safety or management certification, depending on the employer. Strong communication skills and the ability to supervise staff are also important.

What are 5 basic rules of water safety?

A Water Safety Supervisor emphasizes five basic water safety rules: never swim alone, always supervise children around water, avoid swimming in unsafe or unpatrolled areas, follow posted safety signs and guidelines, and learn and use proper swimming and rescue techniques. These rules help prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for all swimmers. Certification in water safety and rescue skills is often required for the role.

What is the highest paid safety job?

The highest paid safety jobs are often senior roles such as Safety Director or Chief Safety Officer, which require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills. These positions typically offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in large organizations or industries like oil and gas, construction, or manufacturing.

What are Water Safety Supervisors?

Water Safety Supervisors are trained professionals responsible for overseeing the safety of swimmers and aquatic facility operations. They supervise lifeguards, enforce pool rules, conduct safety drills, and respond to emergencies. These supervisors also ensure that all safety protocols are followed and may provide training or guidance to staff. Their primary goal is to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for everyone using the facility.

What are the main challenges Water Safety Supervisors face when managing a team of lifeguards?

Water Safety Supervisors often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent vigilance among staff, effectively communicating safety protocols, and managing varying skill levels within the team. They must also respond quickly to emergencies while maintaining calm leadership. Balancing administrative duties—like scheduling and training—with active supervision on the pool deck or waterfront is another common challenge that requires strong organizational skills.

What is the difference between Water Safety Supervisor vs Lifeguard?

AspectWater Safety SupervisorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Water Safety InstructorCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentPublic pools, beaches, aquatic centers, overseeing safetyPoolside, beaches, water parks, direct supervision of swimmers
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational facilities, aquatic centers, resortsPublic pools, beaches, water parks, community centers

The main difference between a Water Safety Supervisor and a Lifeguard is the scope of responsibilities. The Water Safety Supervisor oversees safety protocols, manages staff, and ensures compliance, while the Lifeguard primarily monitors swimmers and responds to emergencies. Both roles require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but the supervisor holds a leadership position with broader duties.

More about Water Safety Supervisor jobs
What job categories do people searching Water Safety Supervisor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Safety Supervisor jobs are:
Water Safety Supervisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Safety Supervisor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,971 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Water Safety Instructor

Water Safety Instructor

City of Waukesha

Waukesha, WI

$18 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

City Of Waukesha rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 649 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


Water Safety Instructors

Water Safety Instructors are directly responsible for the safety of participants enrolled in lessons and helps students learn to swim or improve their swimming skills with new strokes, stroke refinements, diving safety tips and techniques, and more. In addition, is directly responsible for supervising duties of assigned Water Safety Instructor Aides. Assists and reports to supervising staff in providing American Red Cross progressive swim instruction.

Scheduled Shifts:
Monday - Friday, June - August
9:00am - 12:00pm/noon; 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Compensation:
$18 - $21 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
Major Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teach/Co-Teach progressive swim lessons according to the American Red Cross and departmental standards.
  • Maintain proper supervision of class participants during scheduled lessons.
  • Implement lesson plans and supervise program sessions according to class schedule. Be prepared for classes, have necessary materials out, and be ready for class. In the rare event of a substitute provide lesson plans and class lists.
  • Be prepared to react in an emergency situation. Provide appropriate emergency care to facility patrons.
  • Inspect area prior to use. Prevent injury and minimize or eliminate hazards.
  • Observe, enforce and explain all facility rules and regulations.
  • Direct and supervise assigned instructor aides. Help them learn methods of teaching aquatic skills and help them become an efficient, organized safe swim instructor.
  • Attend all in service training programs and be aware of facility programs and scheduling. Review current aquatic staff manual. Maintain current certifications.
  • Communicates with supervisory staff on a regular basis on the progress of classes and the need for assistance and or equipment.
  • Completes required paperwork as needed (accident reports, course record sheets and participants' skill sheets, etc.)
  • Carry out all additional duties as assigned by the supervisory staff.
  • Substitute for other staff as needed.
  • Demonstrate all required skills at each level. Must be in water for level.
  • Must have the ability to make proper corrections on inefficient strokes.
  • Must have daily lesson plans and block plans for all classes.

Position Qualifications

  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Must hold current certification in:
    • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor
    • American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer
  • Must successfully demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate the skills taught in the American Red Cross progressive levels.
  • Must have considerable ability as a swimmer plus knowledge of teaching these skills and safety considerations during lessons.

The City of Waukesha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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