Jurisdiction: City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive

Adopted: 8/12/80

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

LIFEGUARD

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position involves responsibility for patrol work at a swimming pool or beach to insure the safety of swimmers. Incumbents employ lifesaving rescue techniques to assist swimmers who are experiencing difficulty. A Lifeguard is also responsible for enforcing safety rules. The work requires the exercise of sound judgment in emergency situations. The work is performed under supervision in accordance with established policies and procedures. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Stands watch at a swimming pool or beach to keep swimmers within bounds and to identify swimmers experiencing difficulty;

Rescues swimmers in difficulty by use of a variety of life-saving techniques;

Administers first-aid including artificial respiration as required;

Notifies emergency medical personnel if necessary;

Enforces safety rules to insure the welfare of swimmers;

Performs routine custodial or maintenance work such as cleaning locker rooms, disposing of garbage, and hosing down decks at a swimming pool or beach;

May instruct individuals or groups in swimming techniques.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of lifesaving principles and practices as applied to aquatics; good knowledge of first-aid principles and techniques; skill in aquatic lifesaving and rescue techniques; ability to swim at an advanced level; ability to administer first-aid including artificial respiration; ability to secure the cooperation of others; ability to perform routine custodial and maintenance work; ability to follow oral and written instructions; good powers of observation; mental alertness; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: None

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be at least 16 years old (15 years old if a supervisory Lifeguard is present).

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.

3. Possession of a current Lifeguard certification 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.)