DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This work involves responsibility for planning, organizing and supervising swimming program and activities at a municipal swim facility. The incumbent is responsible for supervising water safety instructors and lifeguards, coordination of the overall program, and recommending and implementing appropriate safety precautions and devices. Work is performed under the general supervision of the supervisor of the recreational program. Direct supervision is exercised over the work of seasonal water safety instructors, lifeguards and other subordinate personnel. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Plans and organizes the operation of swimming classes, water sports and other related recreation programs;
Supervises swimming instructors, lifeguards and water safety personnel;
Oversees and participates in teaching swimming and water safety skills to persons enrolled in swimming programs;
Teaches various levels of water safety courses on a regular basis;
Regulates the activities of water safety instructors in charge of individual programs;
Draws up and implements guidelines for the organization and conduct of swimming classes and open swims;
Devises testing techniques and water safety and swimming courses;
Insures safety of swimming areas by overseeing the roping off and marking of swimming areas;
Inspects swimming areas and reports on need for safety devices to appropriate authorities;
In some locations, may oversee the maintenance of docks, chairs, picnic grounds, and related swimming area equipment;
May act as lifeguard or water sports official as required;
May assume responsibility for supervising the daily transportation of children to and from swimming areas.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the techniques of lifesaving and first aid; good knowledge of rules and regulations governing the use of municipal swimming facilities; good knowledge of the methods and techniques of individual and group instruction used in aquatic recreational activities; high degree of skill in swimming and lifesaving; ability to initiate, organize, promote, lead and stimulate interests in aquatic recreation; ability to supervise lifeguards and other subordinate personnel in water-centered recreational activities; ability to recognize and to take prompt remedial action on hazardous (or potentially hazardous) practices and situations; ability to keep records and to make oral and written reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND possession of an American Red Cross Lifeguard certification and Water Safety Instructor certificate, or its equivalent, AND EITHER:
- Completion of 60 semester credit hours in a New York State registered or regionally accredited college or university and two (2) seasons of paid experience as a swimming instructor or lifeguard in a community recreation program;
OR: - Four (4) seasons of paid experience as a swimming instructor or lifeguard in a community recreation program;
OR: - Any equivalent combination of 1 or 2 above.