Lifeguards needed at East Riding Leisure centres

The County Council says it's welcoming qualified applicants and people with no prior experience in pool safety

Author: Karen LiuPublished 26th Apr 2022

East Riding Leisure are looking for new lifeguards to join their teams at their health and wellbeing centres across the county.

All centres currently have vacancies for full time, part time or casual staff and are particularly interested in people who are available to work during the day.

The organisation welcomes qualified applicants, as well as those with no prior experience in pool safety.

Those interested must either have, or have registered for, the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The prerequisites for the course are being over 16 years old, and being able to demonstrate swimming ability. After passing the qualification, individuals will be able to work as a lifeguard.

A lifeguard’s role is to monitor customers in the pool, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable experience but also to be vigilant and ready to intervene when necessary. Lifeguards may even save someone's life if they are in trouble.

The authority says for many, lifeguarding provides an excellent foundation for a career in the leisure industry - many centre managers began their professional careers as a lifeguard.

Lifeguarding also presents the opportunity to get fit, make friends and, most importantly, gain an invaluable skill which can be carried through life.

Emily Hayden, lifeguard at a East Riding Leisure centre, said: “In lifeguarding, every day is different. It's really rewarding. I enjoy ensuring that the customers’ experience here is positive, and that they go away happy.”

Adrian Walters, Health and Wellbeing Facilities Manager, said: “Lifeguards are the backbone of our service. We cannot open our pools without them and they play a leading role in ensuring that our customers have an enjoyable and safe experience. The skills and attributes our lifeguards gain through training and experience are well sought after and many of our staff go onto careers as paramedics, nurses, police officers and similar careers, as well as becoming the centre managers of the future”.

Cllr Mike Medini, portfolio holder for culture and leisure assets, said: “Lifeguards are vital to pool safety and do an incredible job protecting the public at pools across the East Riding. I encourage all those interested in becoming a lifeguard to contact East Riding Leisure and find out more about this exciting opportunity.”

To apply for a lifeguarding role, please visit https://www.eastridingcouncil.jobs/job-search/

Emily Hayden, East Riding Leisure lifeguard