Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of our Subtropical Swimming Paradise, ensuring guest safety and enjoyment.
- Company: Center Parcs UK & Ireland offers a unique forest holiday experience with exciting aquatic activities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, discounts, bonuses, and access to leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team, make lasting impressions, and gain valuable qualifications while having fun.
- Qualifications: Strong swimming skills required; trainees must complete an NPLQ course and pass a swim test.
- Other info: Must be able to commute to Whinfell Forest; diverse and inclusive workplace.
Join to apply for the Lifeguard - Trainee and Qualified role at Center Parcs UK & Ireland. Nestled in the heart of our forest you will find the centrepiece of Center Parcs, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Heated to 29.5C all year round and open from 10am to 9pm daily, the huge pool area includes a toddler pool, wave pool, whirlpool and exciting flumes as well as the wild water rapids. There are many activities available from learning to snorkel, scuba diving and aqua jets.
A Lifeguard is the main point of contact for our guests in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. You will demonstrate just the right mix of welcoming our guests in a positive, friendly manner and ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety necessary in the pool environment. As the face of Center Parcs, you will make a great lasting impression on our guests, impressing them with your professionalism and guest care skills.
You will be a friendly, naturally helpful and vigilant team member who seeks out opportunities to ensure the guests' requirements are met. You will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness standards within the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and ensure that all company and legal requirements are met at all times.
Trainee candidates will be required to attend an NPLQ course, and an offer of employment will be subject to passing the course and a successful interview. Please note that the course will be full-time hours for 5 days and include classroom sessions on the responsibilities of being a Lifeguard, how to observe our pool guests, how to rescue those in need and how to administer first aid and CPR.
To be a lifeguard, you must be a strong swimmer. If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to complete a swim test. This includes diving into deep water, timed and continuous swimming on both front and back and exiting the pool without using a ladder or step.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) Check. This disclosure, together with other selection information, will need to be satisfactory to the Company for employment to commence.
Please note that to apply for a role with us, you must be able to reliably commute to Center Parcs Whinfell Forest (CA10 2DW) as it is not easily accessible by public transport.
HOURS OF WORK: We have the following contracts available on a flexible basis. This means that your hours and days of work could vary each week, but you will always receive at least your contracted hours each period:
- 120 hours per 4-week period
- 150 hours per 4-week period
As our village is open 365 days of the year, your working hours will include public/bank holidays and during Christmas and/or New Year on a rota basis.
About You: You must possess excellent communication skills and be friendly and approachable as you will provide a supportive role to our guests, providing personal attention and care at all times.
Essential requirements:
- Ability to communicate with people from all walks of life
- Ability to perform and remain calm under pressure
- RLSS Pool Lifeguard / NARS Qualification – for qualified lifeguards
- Friendly, genuine and warm towards guests and colleagues
Desirable requirements:
- First Aid Certificate
- Experience in Pool Plant Operation
- Use of a Defibrillator
About The Benefits: Center Parcs is a fantastic place to work, and the benefits are as impressive as they are unique. Here are just a few:
- Colleague Bonus Scheme
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance
- Colleague Recognition and Reward Scheme – offering a choice of Center Parcs and High Street vouchers
- Free use of our leisure facilities
- Discounted Center Parcs breaks
- 20% discount in our restaurant and retail outlets
- Access to Perks at Work Portal - offering a wide range of retail and leisure discounts
- An Employee Assistance Program - providing support on financial, health and legal matters
- Excellent opportunities for career development and progression with the opportunity to gain externally recognised qualifications
If this sounds like your ideal job, then we’d love to see your application. Interviews to be held: Ongoing. Please note this vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
We recognise that we’re all at our best when we’re being ourselves. We are committed to building a culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want them to feel valued for their individuality, thrive in our business and share a sense of belonging.
We place a lot of value on recruiting based on behaviours rather than prioritising qualifications or experience. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, please let us know if you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process.
Lifeguard - Trainee and Qualified employer: Center Parcs UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Center Parcs UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lifeguard - Trainee and Qualified
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the NPLQ course, as this is essential for trainee lifeguards. Understanding what to expect will help you feel more confident during the training and interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your swimming skills regularly, especially the timed swimming and diving components. Being well-prepared for the swim test can significantly boost your chances of impressing the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills during the interview by engaging in friendly conversation and demonstrating your ability to connect with people. This role requires a warm and approachable attitude, so let your personality shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Center Parcs and its values to align your responses with their culture during the interview. Highlighting your understanding of their commitment to guest care and safety will show that you're a great fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lifeguard - Trainee and Qualified
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Lifeguard role. Emphasise any previous customer service experience, swimming qualifications, or first aid training.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your ability to provide excellent guest care. Mention specific qualities that make you a suitable candidate, such as being friendly, approachable, and calm under pressure.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any lifeguard certifications or first aid qualifications, be sure to mention them prominently in your application. If you're a trainee, express your eagerness to complete the NPLQ course.
Prepare for the Swim Test: Since the role requires a swim test, practice your swimming skills beforehand. Be ready to discuss your swimming experience in your application, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Center Parcs UK & Ireland
✨Show Your Swimming Skills
Since a swim test is part of the interview process, make sure you practice your swimming techniques beforehand. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to dive, swim continuously, and exit the pool efficiently.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a lifeguard, you'll need to communicate effectively with guests and team members. During the interview, highlight any experiences where you've successfully interacted with people from diverse backgrounds.
✨Demonstrate Your Guest Care Approach
Center Parcs values friendliness and approachability. Share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles or situations, showcasing your ability to create a welcoming environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle emergencies or stressful situations. Think about past experiences where you've had to remain calm under pressure and be ready to discuss them in detail.
