Lifeguard - Springfield, VA (2195)
About The Position
The Lifeguard is the frontline safety professional within the Department of Safety & Rescue. This position exists to prevent incidents, recognize risk early, and respond decisively to aquatic and medical emergencies. Lifeguards are entrusted with protecting lives, enforcing safety standards, and representing the department’s professionalism in every interaction. Your vigilance, judgment, and readiness directly determine outcomes when seconds matter. Integrated Public Safety Role: Function as a coordinated unit within a comprehensive safety and rescue system, strengthening operational effectiveness, communication, and mission readiness. Professional Safety Department: Operate within a structured Department of Safety & Rescue—not a standalone lifeguard staff. Advanced Opportunities: Exposure to expanded assignments including waterfront operations, special events, and future triathlon or medical support pathways. Clear Standards & Expectations: Defined protocols, supervision, and accountability—no ambiguity about your role or responsibilities. Development-Focused Culture: Training, feedback, and growth are built into the experience. This role offers more than seasonal employment—it provides real responsibility, real training, and real-world safety experience. As a Lifeguard with The St. James, you will develop decision-making skills, emergency response capability, and professional discipline that translate far beyond aquatics. For those interested in leadership, EMS, or long-term safety roles, this position is a proven entry point.
Requirements
- Minimum age of sixteen (16) at time of hire
- Strong swimming ability and water confidence
- Ability to remain alert, calm, and decisive under pressure
- Willingness to learn, train, and accept coaching
- Professional demeanor and strong situational awareness
- Ability to perform sustained physical activity including swimming, lifting, pushing, pulling, and dragging up to 150 pounds through open water
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while maintaining vigilance
- Visual acuity sufficient to recognize people and hazards in and out of the water (correctable to 20/40)
- Stamina to operate effectively during extended emergency situations
Nice To Haves
- Previous customer service or team-based experience preferred
- Participation in organized sports or mission-driven groups preferred
Responsibilities
- Maintain constant, effective surveillance of assigned aquatic zones
- Identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, and environmental risks before incidents occur
- Respond immediately to aquatic rescues and emergency situations
- Provide basic emergency medical care until relieved by higher-level responders or EMS
- Enforce facility rules and safety standards consistently and professionally
- Conduct patron education and reinforce water safety expectations
- Participate in drills, in-service training, and readiness evaluations
- Maintain rescue equipment, personal gear, and assigned posts in a state of readiness
- Communicate clearly with Lifeguard Officers and supervisors during operations and incidents
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
