Be A lifeguard

Due date for Applications: February 29th, 2024

Responsibilities
PWIA Lifeguards are responsible for the daily operations and supervision of the PWIA pool facility. The lifeguards will perform all routine lifeguard, front gate and maintenance tasks to ensure a safe and clean environment.

Expectations
Be familiar with all pool rules and procedures. Perform all responsibilities in a courteous and professional manner. Arrive to work on time, in uniform, and stay focused during the entire shift. Be prepared to follow protocols during emergencies. Communicate clearly with the pool manager directly (not through parents), including schedule availability and changes, in a timely manner. 

Requirements
Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and hold a current Red Cross lifeguard certification. (This is more than their first aid certification and local training sessions can be found on their website https://www.redcross.org/). Lifeguards who are under the age of 18 and still in high school will need to obtain a work permit from their school office and have it on file with PWIA and their school before they can begin working. Additional CPR and First-aid training are not required, but appreciated. 

While we would love to hire every applicant, in order to reduce operating costs and give each lifeguard sufficient hours, we limit our hiring to the number of positions needed. Our priority is a safe environment with a responsible team. If you are not offered a position for this season, we encourage you to reapply next year. Individual feedback for the applicant can be provided at their request.

Information
Lifeguards wear their own swimsuits, any style, and shorts. A lifeguard shirt and hat/visor will be provided for each person. While working, the shirt must be worn at all times. Electronic whistles and all other needed supplies will be provided and kept at the pool. The pool season runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. 

The pay rate is San Jose minimum wage with an additional hourly stipend to help cover the cost of certification over the two years it is usable. Returning guards may be eligible for additional compensation based on work experience. Paychecks are issued every 2 weeks through direct deposit. A mobile app is used for communicating, scheduling and clocking in and out of each shift. If a lifeguard does not have a smartphone or direct deposit, an accommodation can be made with the pool manager.

Hiring Process

February
Potential lifeguards who fulfill the requirements may apply at this link: https://forms.gle/2zVeLajiuPbXessS9
and email poolmanager@pwia.net with any questions.

March
Applicants will be contacted via email to set up an interview with the board of directors. Out of town applicants can meet over Zoom.

Lifeguards will be chosen based on a rubric system that awards points in the following categories: relevant work experience, reference recommendations, board member interview report, professionalism in behavior/communication, and familiarity with PWIA. Offers will be extended by April 1st.

April
Applicants who are offered positions will have until April 30th to submit all paperwork and complete the lifeguard certification. Scheduling will be postponed for any guards whose paperwork is incomplete and may result in the position being given to another candidate so the pool can open fully staffed on May 24th.

The application will reopen after the February deadline if there are any remaining positions.