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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a pool attendant. Feel free to use our pool attendant job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a pool attendant.

 

Who is a Pool Attendant?

Pool attendants are trained personnel in charge of keeping the pool area safe and clean at hotels, resorts, and private functions. They greet visitors, respond to their needs, and aid stranded swimmers. They also put up the furniture and equipment, inspect the pool on a regular basis, and keep the pool area clean and orderly. In a swimming pool, water park, beach, spa, river, or lake, a Pool Attendant, often known as a lifeguard, monitors the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants. Pool attendants are trained in swimming and CPR/AED first aid, as well as water rescue, and can use a range of aids and equipment depending on the needs of the site. Lifeguards may be part of the emergency response system in some regions, and in some communities, pool attendants may be the principal EMS provider.

 

A pool attendant is responsible for the protection of persons in and around bodies of water, as well as a specific area immediately around or next to the body of water, such as a beach next to an ocean or lake. The first priority is to guarantee that users of the region for which they are accountable are not harmed. Pool attendants often take on this obligation as part of their job, but they can also do it as a volunteer. The ‘drowning chain,’ in which each link might lead to an incident or contribute to a chain of links, summarizes the factors that lead to drowning. It includes a lack of knowledge about water safety or local conditions, a lack of safety guidance (for example, regarding rip currents at a beach), a lack of protection (for example, no flotation device for a weak swimmer), a lack of safety supervision, or an incapacity to cope with the situation (strong surf with a weak swimmer). The drowning chain, which offers a solid foundation for drowning prevention, consists of the following elements:

• Education and information
• Provision of warnings
• Denial of access
• Supervision
• Training in survival skills

All of these elements can be provided by the pool attendant to help prevent drownings (or other incidents) in their area of responsibility, and this should be the primary focus of a pool attendant’s activities, as it is preferable to prevent an incident from occurring rather than reacting after one has occurred. This means that a pool attendant unit’s efficiency is determined not by the number or speed of rescues performed, nor by the skill with which they are carried out, but by the absence or reduction of drownings, accidents, and other medical problems. Prevention is a valuable skill for a pool attendant to possess because it can help to ensure the safety of the aquatic patrons. A number of lifesaving skills are taught to pool attendants. Depending on the organization that trained the pool attendant, there are minor changes in these skills. The skills differ based on the facility in which they will be used, such as the pool depth, a water park, or a beach. The major responsibility of pool attendants is to supervise the area in which they are responsible. To do so, the pool attendant must be in the best possible position to view the public. An elevated position, such as a chair, platform, or the roof of a vehicle, is often the ideal way to accomplish this. This gives them the best possible view of their monitored area and may make communicating with their team easier.

 

Some pool attendance teams make use of mobile platforms or seats that may be moved to the best location. This can adjust for changes such as a specific activity occurs, the direction of the prevailing wind, or simply allowing lifeguards to relocate closer to the water if the tide goes out on a beach. The pool attendant’s chair or tower can also serve as storage for vital rescue and communication equipment. It can also serve as a visible location for the public to seek assistance from pool attendants. As a result, it is frequently marked with a flag or flags so that the public can find it. These flags may also provide bathers with information about current swimming conditions. Other options, depending on the location, including patrolling the water’s edge on foot, which allows for more face-to-face interaction with the public and the opportunity to provide face-to-face reassurance and advice, or supervising from within or on the water, which is most applicable in open water (such as the sea or even a large water park), where pool attendants can use boats or other personal watercraft to be in the water, which extends their range and may allow for faster response times.

Pool attendant equipment will differ depending on the area and conditions faced. Certain items, such as a whistle for calling the attention of the public or other members of the team, a first aid bag, and rescue aids, are very universal. Rescue cans, rescue tubes, rescue boards, spinal boards, AEDs, trauma bags, and oxygen are examples of other equipment. Pool staff are first-aid trained and have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand. They might have advanced first-aid equipment like supplemental oxygen, a suction device, a resuscitator, a defibrillator or AED, or a spinal immobilization board. Pool attendants are taught to call 911 as soon as possible. If a drowning victim is saved, he or she may require EMS assistance or severe medical treatment.

Rescue watercraft are sometimes used by pool staff to rescue victims who are either too far away or when there is a lot of surf, i.e. strong waves. Rescue watercraft come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

IRBs (Inflatable Rescue Boats) – These inflatable boats are excellent for patrolling a beach, especially when the surf is too strong or the beach is too large to accomplish rescues effectively aboard.

Row Rescue Boat – Wood paddle boats are used to patrol swimmers and for quick entry into the water when a drowning occurs at a distance. They are best used in calmer water. Because they are handled and driven by human force, they necessitate a great deal of effort. Each boat has a larger wooden bench that allows lifeguards to perform CPR while heading back to shore if needed.

Rescue Water Craft (RWC) – Also known as personal watercraft, are useful for their faster top speeds and maneuverability in ocean surf conditions.

Pool attendants may choose to employ whistles, two-way radios, megaphones, or signal flares to communicate effectively. Colored flags, which can be placed over permanent or temporary flag poles to inform the public of various information, are a more traditional manner of communication with the public. In a pool leisure facility (public or private), a whistle is frequently used, and some lifeguards employ the following signs with a whistle (Note: it is always important to remember that each facility may have its own standards and procedures for its whistle protocol).

As a pool attendant, you have various options for advancement. Getting certified as a lifeguard is one of the greatest options. This will prepare you to advance to a position as a head lifeguard, where you will be accountable for other people’s safety. Certification as a pool operator might also help you enhance your career. You will be able to manage a pool’s operations and will be accountable for the pool’s safety and cleanliness. Certification as a swim instructor might also help you develop your profession. You will be able to teach people to swim and be responsible for their safety in the water as a result of this.

 

Pool Attendant Job Description

Below are the pool attendant job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a pool attendant job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a pool attendant include the following:

• Observe and patrol the pool, as well as enforce safety rules.
• Assist a swimmer out of the water when in danger.
• Provide exceptional service in accordance with the hotel’s operating procedures and brand characteristics.
• Greet all guests upon their arrival, distribute towels, offer seating assistance, and provide continuous guest service, exceeding guest expectations, and all other supporting services.
• Know the length and depth of all pools, as well as how many laps it takes to complete a mile in meters and feet.
• Perform hours of operation, placement of amenities, and rescue procedures at the poolside bar.
• Answer customers’ questions about the hotel’s facilities and services.
• Take responsibility for all visitor requests and complaints, strive to address issues as soon as possible, and follow up to ensure the guests are satisfied.
• Identify and report faults in the pool and spa area, and quickly alert supervisors and related departments of any risks, injuries, equipment, or processes that have a negative impact on the operations.
• Ensure at all times that the swimming pools and the entire health club area are clean, and report any maintenance issues to the engineering department.
• Make sure the pool deck is swept and watered, and that all of the furniture is in its proper place when setting up in the morning.
• Have adequate knowledge of resuscitation principles and practices, first aid, and CPR/PR techniques.
• Possess adequate knowledge of safety threats and required safety procedures is sufficient to create a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Possess adequate knowledge of swimming pool equipment and adequate to do minimal maintenance on the equipment is required.
• Straighten and stack chairs, collect soiled towels and trash, move chairs and towels, replace flags, and clean signage to keep the pool deck and facilities clean.
• Facilitate and maintain consistent pool safety protocols, training, and documentation to ensure the general safety of guests in the pool area.
• Collaborate together with other departments to ensure a great guest experience.
• Use performance feedback, recognition, training, and adherence to corporate regulations and legal requirements to their full potential.
• Set up the pool furniture, including umbrellas, loungers, and other items.
• Make sure the pool, chairs, and other facilities are clean and safe.
• Welcome visitors and make sure they are safe and comfortable.
• Provide towels, shade, drinks, and attention to guests’ needs.
• Follow the resort or hotel’s safety procedures.
• Keep an eye on the guests’ activities and make sure they’re safe.
• Report damages or incidents to the supervisor.
• Manage the cleaning schedule for the swimming pool and conduct daily inspections.

 

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or the GED equivalent is required.
• Working as a Pool Guest Attendant or Lifeguard in a five-star hotel is a plus.
• At least one year of hospitality experience is required.
• Computer literacy is required.
• Recent certification in first aid and CPR.
• Excellent customer service and verbal communication skills.
• Physically fit, with good swimming abilities and the ability to conduct strenuous tasks in inclement weather.
• Moving and lifting large furniture and equipment ability.
• Time management and organizing skills are essential.
• Pool equipment and safety precautions skills.
• Nice temperament and a consistent professional appearance.
• Working on weekends, holidays, and after-hours is also required.

 

Essential Skill

Pool attendants need the following skills in order to be successful:

• Communication: The ability to express one’s ideas and thoughts to another through expressions, words, or deeds is known as communication. Receiving or sending any type of information is referred to as communication. To run a successful business, people must be able to communicate and deliver their message to clients. Another vital ability for a pool attendant is communication. You should be able to communicate with other personnel and pool patrons. You should be able to talk with your boss about any problems that emerge.
• Customer service: Customer service abilities can assist you in interacting with customers and ensuring that they have a pleasant experience. Customer service abilities can be used to check-in with customers, answer queries, and address problems. Customer service skills can also help you form a strong rapport with consumers, which can help you gain their trust and encourage them to visit the pool again. In all businesses, customer service is becoming increasingly vital, and the pool industry is no exception. Pool attendants will need to focus on providing exceptional customer service to keep customers pleased as their expectations rise. As a result, pool attendants will have to be prepared to cope with a wide range of scenarios. They’ll need to be able to rapidly and effectively manage complaints, provide recommendations, and resolve issues.

• Multitasking: As a pool attendant, you may be in charge of multiple jobs at the same time. For example, you might be in charge of verifying IDs, cleaning the pool, and keeping the environment immaculate at a pool party. Being able to multitask can assist you in completing your tasks on schedule. Pool attendants will need to be aware of new regulations and standards as water quality becomes more of a concern. This will necessitate pool attendants to be up to speed on the most recent water quality regulations and standards. In order to assure compliance, they will also need to be able to properly explain these criteria to pool users. Additionally, pool attendants must be able to detect and remedy any water quality issues before they become too serious.
• Attention to detail: Paying close attention to details is a talent that can assist you in doing your job obligations effectively. You may be responsible for keeping track of the pool’s inventory, such as the number of towels, floats, and other products, as a pool attendant. You can also be in charge of keeping track of the pool’s chemicals and cleaning materials. You can keep track of these goods and make sure you have all you need to complete your job obligations if you pay attention to the details.
• Stamina: Because you’ll be on your feet for lengthy amounts of time as a pool attendant, you’ll need stamina. To clean the pool, you may be asked to lift heavy goods, such as large sacks of pool chemicals, and to move large furniture, such as lounge chairs.

 

How to Become a Pool Attendant

1. Develop physical swimming skills

Pool attendants should be strong swimmers who are capable of swimming while carrying a load. Joining a swim team is a great way to keep your swimming skills sharp. If you don’t have access to a pool at home, you can join a gym to receive access to swimming pools and improve your swimming abilities. Before being hired as a lifeguard, you may be required to demonstrate swimming abilities, thus anyone interested in this position should be physically fit and a strong swimmer.

2. Complete lifeguard training and certification

The American Red Cross offers training for pool attendants and lifeguards. By visiting their website or contacting your local Red Cross chapter, you may enroll in lifeguard training. You must also have First Aid and CPR certifications, which can be obtained through the Red Cross or other organizations. After completing lifeguard training, you must pass the Red Cross lifeguard certification test. Aside from training and certifications, lifeguards have no formal schooling requirements. This is why it’s a popular choice among students.

3. Set the right expectations

There are various reasons why someone might choose to work as a pool attendant. Consider your situation. Taking on a side job to supplement your income or working during a time off from work or school are two examples. Pool attendant occupations are frequently pursued by students because they are seasonal and coincide with school breaks at all levels of high school and higher education. Because a high school certificate isn’t always required, young kids can work as pool attendants for additional cash in some circumstances. Understand why you want to work as a pool attendant, where you want to work, and how reasonable your objectives and goals should be.

4. Apply for pool attendant jobs

You can start applying for pool attendant employment once you have the necessary physical skills and have completed the required training and certification.

 

Where to Work as a Pool Attendant

Pool attendants are employed at swimming pools, beaches, water parks, and other aquatic locations where public safety is a concern. A lifeguard’s role is to ensure that persons in and around the water are safe. They are taught to understand water safety and to enforce guidelines to guarantee that safe practices are followed. They can also help in an emergency. Pool attendants typically work near a hotel, resort, or water park’s pool area, where they are exposed to the sun. They may even work in the pool area indoors. During the summer months, when pools are busiest, they normally work full time, and the rest of the year, they may work part time or seasonally. Pool attendants generally work weekends and holidays, as well as other shifts. They may perform shifts in the early morning, during the day, at night, or overnight. During peak times, some pool attendants may be forced to work overtime.

 

Pool Attendant Salary Scale

Salary for pool attendants varies depending on their degree of education and experience, as well as the company’s size and location. Some pool attendants are members of labor unions that represent them in salary negotiations. In the United States, the estimated total pay for a Pool Attendant is $43,913 per year, with an average wage of $27,141 per year. In Nigeria, a Pool Attendant / Lifeguard earns roughly 159,000 NGN per month. Salaries range from 82,500 NGN to 243,000 NGN (lowest to highest). This is the monthly average pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salaries for pool attendants and lifeguards vary greatly depending on experience, skills, gender, and region.

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