At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise Recreation Assistants and ensure customer safety at our busy leisure centre.
- Company: Join BH Live, a leading charity and social enterprise in leisure and events.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym membership, health cash plan, and matched pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible hours including evenings and weekends, with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on community health and wellbeing while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports and recreation, First Aid, and National Pool Lifeguard Qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 22200 - 30000 £ per year.
Site Location: Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Portsmouth
Salary: 26,225 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date for receipt of applications - Sunday 23 November 2025
The role: We are recruiting for a Senior Recreation Assistant to join our busy & friendly team at The Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth. The role will assist the Customer Operations Manager in the supervision and control of our Recreation Assistants on duty in order to ensure our customers are kept safe when using our swimming pools.
You will:
- Supervise Recreation Assistants, ensuring adequate staffing levels at all times and appropriate rotation between workstations.
- Supervise the public during their participation of the Centre's programme, ensuring their safety and compliance with the centre rules.
- Clean the centre and its equipment.
- Erect, dismantle and move equipment.
- Possess and maintain through the regular training sessions provided, the RLSS NPLQ Lifeguard Certificate and a current recognised First Aid Certificate.
- Carry out pool water tests and escalate any irregularities.
- Administer First Aid and Resuscitation as required.
- Be fully aware of the Centre's Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Procedures.
You will need:
- Experience within the Sports and Recreation Industry.
- Experience of dealing with customers face to face.
- Be calm and level headed under pressure.
- Be a team player with a positive attitude.
- Be able to work unsocial hours including evenings, bank holidays and weekends.
- Hold a First Aid at Work Qualification.
- Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).
We offer:
- Onsite parking
- Training and development opportunities
- BH Live Active - Gym membership
- Health cash plan
- Employee Assistance programme
- Company pension matched up to 6% contributions
- Colleague discount on food and drink
- Colleague recognition
- Birthday / Celebratory day off
- Loyalty Rewards
About BH Live: We are one of the UK's leading leisure and event venue operators - a registered charity and social enterprise. Our geographical reach spans across multiple venues, leisure centres and attractions across Portsmouth, Southampton, Croydon and the BCP region with millions of visits per year. Our organisational and charitable purpose is to generate:
- More participation - through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health, and wellbeing
- Higher audiences - through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience
- Greater economic and social benefit - through hosting major conferences, exhibitions, and events for the benefit of the local, regional, and international economies and people
We are making a positive difference across the communities we serve.
To apply: All applications are to be made via the BH Live Careers site. BH Live reserves the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. We therefore highly recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior Recreation Assistant - Portsmouth employer: BH Live
BH Live is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being at our Active Stokewood location in Bournemouth. With a focus on professional development, we provide numerous growth opportunities alongside benefits such as onsite parking and health cash plans, making it a rewarding place to build your career in recreation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Recreation Assistant - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Mountbatten Leisure Centre! Familiarise yourself with their facilities and services. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider info and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions. Think about how you'd handle various scenarios, especially those related to safety and customer service. Being calm under pressure is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the BH Live team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Recreation Assistant - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in the Sports and Recreation Industry. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Recreation Assistant, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Team Spirit:Since we’re all about teamwork here at the Mountbatten Centre, let us know about your experiences working in a team. Share examples that demonstrate your positive attitude and ability to stay calm under pressure – it’ll make you stand out!
Highlight Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your First Aid at Work Qualification and National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). These are essential for the role, so make sure they’re front and centre in your application!
Apply Early!:We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible through our BH Live Careers site. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are, as we might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at BH Live
✨Know the Centre Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Mountbatten Leisure Centre thoroughly. Understand its facilities, programmes, and community impact. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Senior Recreation Assistant, teamwork is crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to support and supervise others, as well as how you handle pressure while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Demonstrate Your Lifeguarding Skills
Since the role requires an NPLQ Lifeguard Certificate, be prepared to discuss your experience in lifeguarding and first aid. Share specific instances where you had to use these skills, showcasing your calmness and decision-making under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential situations you might face at the centre, such as dealing with difficult customers or emergency situations, and prepare your responses to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
