Jurisdiction: City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive

Adopted: 8/12/80

Revised: 5/12/81, 6/1/94

HEAD LIFEGUARD

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is a supervisory position involving responsibility for directing and participating in patrol activities to insure the safety of swimmers at a beach or swimming pool. Incumbents supervise and participate in the enforcement of safety rules. The work is performed under general supervision and requires the exercise of sound judgment in emergency situations. Direct supervision is exercised over the work of Lifeguards. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Supervises patrol activities to keep swimmers within bounds and to identify swimmers experiencing difficulty;

Supervises and participates in the rescue of swimmers in difficulty;

Supervises and participates in the administration of first-aide, including artificial respiration

Instructs Lifeguards in lifesaving and rescue techniques as applied to aquatics;

Notifies emergency medical personnel if necessary;

Inspects locker rooms, swimming areas, and lifesaving equipment to insure that they are in safe condition;

Supervises routine custodial, maintenance, and repair activities;

Assigns Lifeguards to their posts and promotes alertness;

May instruct individuals or groups in swimming techniques.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of lifesaving principles and practices as applied to aquatics; thorough knowledge of first-aid principles and techniques; skill in aquatic lifesaving and rescue techniques; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to swim at an advanced level; ability to administer first-aid, including artificial respiration; ability to secure the cooperation of others; ability to follow oral and written instructions; good powers of observation; mental alertness; sound judgment in emergency situations; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years of experience as a Lifeguard.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be at least 18 years old, AND

2. Possession of a current American Red Cross Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or American Heart Association Course "C" CPR certificate or acceptable equivalent certificate. Certification period must not exceed one year. AND

3. Possession of a current lifeguard certificate from a recognized certifying agency acceptable to the New York State Department of Health. (The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course is an acceptable certification.)