Leisure Assistant (Lifeguard)

BCP Council; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Poole is seeking a Lifeguard to provide essential safety services at leisure facilities. Candidates must have a National Pool Lifeguard qualification and First Aid certification. Responsibilities include supervising pool areas, maintaining cleanliness, and helping create engaging customer experiences. The role requires flexibility to work various shifts at multiple locations, and is ideal for those passionate about leisure and safety. Competitive hourly pay rates plus additional compensation available for certain shifts.

Benefits

Enhanced pay and reward package

Supportive work environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Essential National Pool Lifeguard qualification required.
• First Aid certification necessary.
• Knowledge of health and safety protocols in a leisure environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the pool area to ensure safety.
• Set up sporting equipment as needed.
• Conduct regular cleanliness checks of facilities.
• Inspect facilities in line with safety protocols.
• Act as first aider to customers or staff.
• Deliver basic, non-specialist coaching.
• Assist customers at leisure centre, including reception duties.

Skills

National Pool Lifeguard qualification

First Aid certification

Knowledge of health and safety protocols

Experience in the leisure industry

Effective communication skills

Ability to work to defined schedules

Flexibility in working hours

Job description

Overview

We’re looking forward to welcoming new colleagues under this refreshed framework of pay, terms, and conditions. To promote fairness and consistency, all new starters will begin at the bottom of the pay band. This reflects our commitment to equity across the organisation and aligns with the approach taken with existing staff during the transition. While the starting salary is fixed, the role offers excellent scope for growth, meaningful contribution, and being part of a forward-thinking team. The pay rate for this role is £13.69 per hour for casual staff, plus Holiday Pay. Enhancements are also paid on the base rate for hours worked on Bank Holidays, as 'night work' (20:00 to 06:00), or if the total weekly hours exceed 37.

You can also find out more about the new terms and conditions that we are introducing on our careers site on, "More than just a job" brochure

Role purpose

To provide lifeguarding services and support the effective operation of the leisure facilities, to ensure an efficient, safe and welcoming service for customers.

Main responsibilities

• Supervise the pool area and provide a lifeguard service (in line with Royal Lifesaving Society guidance) to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the public using the pool.
• Set up and take down sporting equipment as directed and required in a safe and timely manner, so that equipment is available for use.
• Carry out regular checks of the cleanliness of the facilities and participate in scheduled cleaning, to ensure a clean and hygienic environment for customers.
• Inspect the facilities and equipment in accordance with the daily inspection schedule, escalating any health and safety issues to the appropriate person, so that facilities are safe and risks are addressed quickly.
• Act as first aider to customers or staff at the leisure site so that any medical emergencies can be responded to appropriately.
• Provide basic non-specialist coaching following predetermined programmes, delivering safe, informative, fun and productive sessions. This will include assisting at seasonal events, children’s parties and delivering holiday activity programmes.
• Provide general assistance and information to customers whilst in the leisure centre, including reception duties, so that customers have a positive experience of the leisure centre.

The ideal candidate

• National Pool Lifeguard qualification (essential).
• First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of health and safety protocols within a leisure environment and swimming pool.
• Experience of the leisure industry and of leading sporting activities.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and polite manner with customers and colleagues.
• Ability to work to defined schedules, and reprioritise activities in response to urgent needs.
• Availability for shifts which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Flexibility to work between the BCP Leisure facilities, including Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex (BH23 1HW), Rossmore Leisure Centre (BH12 4HR), Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre (BH15 1TN), Ashdown Leisure Centre (BH17 8RE) and Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre (BH7 6JD).

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our benefits

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce—we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page).

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check. Please refer to the Job Description or Role Profile for more details.