Introduction
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety, supervision, and overall well-being of patrons at municipal beaches, pools, and aquatic facilities. This position requires continuous vigilance, enforcement of safety regulations, and immediate response to emergencies
When assigned as a Water Safety Instructor (WSI), the employee is additionally responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting structured swim lessons and water safety instruction for participants of various ages and skill levels.
Both roles require proactive risk management, professional judgment, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and positive aquatic environment.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintains constant and active surveillance of assigned swimming areas.
- Identifies potential hazards and take preventative action to reduce risk.
- Enforces all aquatic facility rules and safety regulations consistently and professionally.
- Responds immediately and effectively to emergencies, providing water rescues, first aid, CPR, AED use, and other life-saving measures as necessary.
- Activates and follows established Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
- Conducts daily inspections of rescue equipment, first aid supplies, AED units, and facility safety features; report deficiencies promptly.
- Maintains awareness of facility layout, emergency communication systems, and evacuation procedures.
- Completes accurate daily logs, incident reports, and attendance records as required.
- Participates in in-service trainings, drills, and continuing education to maintain readiness and certification compliance.
- Provides courteous customer service to patrons and address questions or concerns appropriately.
- Assists with opening and closing procedures, including facility cleanliness and equipment storage.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Additional duties of the Water Safety Instructor assignment include:
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Plan and conduct swim lessons and water safety classes following established curriculum guidelines.
- Develop structured lesson plans that promote progressive skill development and water confidence.
- Assess participant swimming abilities and place students appropriately.
- Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and constructive feedback.
- Adapt teaching techniques to accommodate varying ages, abilities, and learning styles.
- Maintain a safe instructor-to-student ratio and supervise students at all times.
- Promote water safety awareness and drowning prevention education.
- Maintain attendance records, skill evaluations, and progress reports.
- Communicate professionally with parents/guardians regarding student progress and program expectations.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Lifeguard:
- Must be 16 years of age or older at time of application.
Water Safety Instructor assignment:
- Must be 17 years of age or older at time of application.
- Minimum of 1 year of Water Safety, Lifeguard, swim instruction, or related aquatic experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Lifeguard
- Strong swimming ability and physical endurance.
- Ability to maintain continuous visual surveillance and recognize signs of distress.
- Knowledge of aquatic risk management principles and emergency response procedures.
- Ability to remain calm, alert, and decisive in high-pressure situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other lifeguards and facility staff.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and authority when enforcing rules.
- Dependability, punctuality, and professional conduct.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Additional Knowledge, Experience, Skills, & Abilities of the Water Safety Instructor include:
- Knowledge of effective swim instruction techniques and skill progression models.
- Ability to design and implement age-appropriate lesson plans.
- Strong verbal communication and demonstration skills.
- Patience and adaptability when working with beginners or anxious swimmers.
- Ability to assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Classroom and group management skills in an aquatic setting.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Agility and physical fitness to be mobile, stand, and swim for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.
- Ability to swim, rescue, lift, and assist individuals in distress.
- Ability to stand, walk, and remain outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
- Agility and stamina to perform rescues and emergency response procedures.
Lifeguard:
- Current Lifeguard Certification (recognized national provider)
- Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent)
- Current First Aid Certification
Water Safety Instructor:
- Current Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
- Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent)
- Current First Aid Certification
All certifications must remain valid throughout employment. Applicants MUST attach copies of the required certifications to their employment application where prompted.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This "Non Tested" position may be General or Special Funds.
This part time or seasonal position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment.
Employment Status and Limitations
- Seasonal employment is limited to a maximum of 119 calendar days per appointment. Seasonal employees may work up to 40 hours per week during this period.
- Part-time employment is limited to no more than 19 hours per week.
- Returning seasonal employees are not eligible for reappointment to a seasonal position until one (1) year plus one (1) day has elapsed from the start date of their most recent seasonal appointment. Example: An employee whose seasonal appointment began on June 1, 2025 may not return to seasonal employment until June 2, 2026.
- Seasonal employees may transition to part-time employment only after a minimum break in service of thirteen (13) consecutive weeks.
- Part-time employees may transition to seasonal employment only after a minimum break in service of thirteen (13) consecutive weeks.
- Individuals may not hold two concurrent positions with the City of New Haven and/or the Board of Education at the same time, except for ten (10)-month employees.
- Current full-time ten (10)-month employees may work only during July and August in either a seasonal or part-time position.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy* for candidates aged 18 and up. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.
Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.
Selection Plan
Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources on an ongoing basis. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.
It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to determine if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.
Returning Seasonal Employees must apply via this portal; paper applications are no longer accepted.
Those persons interested in any other Parks or Public Works Seasonal employment must also apply for those positions via the corresponding JobAps portal.
Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found
HERE.
The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.
Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.
We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.
Conclusion
To apply for this opportunity:
- Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
- You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
- MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
- Review or modify your application for that position
- Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
- Click "Send to City of New Haven"
- You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
- You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
- If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov
Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.