Casual Beach Lifeguard

You will be operating through the school holidays including bank holidays and weekends. You will be expected to give good coverage during these times.

As part of this role, you will attend an induction. This covers policy and procedures, Health and Safety and includes first aid and swim training if required. You will also attend an RLSS beach lifeguard course and, if you are 18 or over, a RYA personal watercraft course if you do not have these qualifications.

We are looking for people with excellent communication skills, an eye for detail and the ability to work with minimum supervision in a demanding and challenging role.  You will provide a vital link for the public offering help, information, and advice.

You will need to be able to change task quickly, deal with a variety of enquiries covering all areas of the seafront.  This position requires close working with other colleagues to provide cover when required and maintain a high level of customer service.

You will operate at one of the Council’s Beach Office buildings at designated bathing beaches along the coastline (Clacton, Walton, Frinton, Brightlingsea and Dovercourt). When you are patrolling the seafronts, you will be advising bathers of potential hazards and dangers. You will be responsible for checking and maintaining public rescue equipment. In the event of an emergency, you will be required to work calmly under pressure, co-operating efficiently with the relevant emergency services. Training is provided in case the need to give first aid to members of the public arises.

Successful applicants will be able to communicate clearly with colleagues, the public and management, provide regular progress reports on current tasks and feedback any issues.

Applicants need to be able to demonstrate a mature and responsible attitude and a sound ability to represent the council in a professional way.

The beach lifeguard course will be running on the following dates: 25th, 26th and 27th July, 1st, 2nd and 3rd August. You must be able to attend these dates to be considered for this position unless you already hold an RLSS Beach Lifeguard qualification.

Applicants must have an RLSS beach lifeguard qualification OR meet the following criteria:

- Have a good level of fitness

- Surface dive to a depth of 2 metres

- Be competent at swimming in the sea

- Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 200 metres in a pool (of recommended 25 metres, but no less than 20 metres) in five minutes or less

- For the assessment, candidates must be able to swim 400 metres in a pool (recommended 25 metres, but no less than 20 metres) in eight minutes or less using a continuous front stroke and showing urgency.

As part of the application process, you will be required to undertake a swim test to ensure you meet these requirements.

If you consider that you are self-motivated, reliable, have an enthusiastic and flexible attitude and would like the opportunity to work for us, please apply.

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