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.
 A normal working week is 37 hours on a shift pattern that includes early mornings, evenings and weekends.
 

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.
 

Estimated salary range

Local government pool attendants are usually paid between £11,500 and £16,300.  There may be some enhancements for shift working.
 Local government pool attendants who are also qualified to give swimming lessons might expect to earn an additional £12-£17.00 per teaching hour.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.
Check the Skills Active careers website for information illustrating how you might progress your career leisure. 

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Entertaining Your Community.
Further Information & Services

ISPAL www.ispal.org.uk

Institute of Sport and Recreation Management www.isrm.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 in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under MA and MB.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government pool attendant vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.