Welcome

Entertaining your community in local government leisure services
 
Introduction
Local government pool attendants look after the health and safety of swimming pool users in council-owned leisure centres.  They might also be known as lifeguards.  They work for district/borough, unitary and metropolitan councils.
 
Work Environment
Local government pool attendants work at the side of a swimming pool, either standing or sitting in a high chair that gives them a good view of the entire pool. They wear a clearly recognisable uniform. They are usually on duty in teams.

Daily Activities
Local government pool attendants monitor the swimming pool checking for signs of trouble and ensuring that pool users are safe.  Their duties might include some or all of the following:

• looking out for swimmers who seem hesitant or likely to go out of their depth;
• watching to make sure that no-one runs along the side of the pool, jumps into the water in a dangerous fashion or causes any annoyance to other pool users;
• challenging any bad behaviour - they blow their whistle, tell the person to stop misbehaving and ultimately have the authority to order them out of the swimming pool;
• rescuing swimmers who are in danger - either by throwing them a rope, or diving in;
• clearing the pool if there is an emergency;
• performing resuscitation at the side of the pool if necessary.

When they are not in the pool area local government pool attendants also have responsibility for cleaning changing rooms and toilets.  Some pool attendants also take swimming teachers' exams and are able to earn extra money by giving swimming lessons.
 
Skills & Interests
Local government pool attendants need:

• to be strong swimmers;
• have excellent powers of concentration and observation;
• to enjoy working with all kinds of different people;
• to be friendly and approachable;
• to be firm and able to speak with authority;
• be able to react quickly and calmly under pressure.

Entry Requirements
Local government pool attendants usually need a National Pool Lifeguard qualification.  However, the Royal Life Saving Society's Bronze medallion may sometimes be acceptable and some leisure centres may employ people without one of these qualifications if they are strong swimmers and prepared to gain one within three months of starting the job.  A first aid certificate may be an advantage when applying for a post.
 
Future Prospects & Opportunities
Local government pool attendants may be able to progress into other areas of leisure work, such as sports coaching, fitness instruction, playwork or recreation activity coordination.  With additional experience and qualifications, pool attendants may be able to progress into leisure management work.

Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity www.cimspa.co.uk
Swimming Teachers' Association www.sta.co.uk
Royal Lifesaving Society UK www.lifesavers.org.uk
SkillsActive www.skillsactive.com
Skills Active careers website www.skillsactive.com/careers

You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.