At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure customer safety, assist with activities, and maintain cleanliness at the leisure centre.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a leader in community-focused leisure services.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse environment with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that promotes health and happiness in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong swimming skills and a UK lifeguard qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences? Are you ready to shape the future of leisure services and make a real difference in your community? Southwark Council is offering an exciting opportunity to be part of our brand-new leisure centre, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. We’re looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Recreation Assistant to assist in supporting customers in our Canada Water Leisure Centre.
We are passionate about delivering the best customer service and getting our community active. Every team member plays their part, working within a diverse and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.
About the role
Recreation Assistants have one of the most important jobs at our leisure centre, and that is keeping our customers safe in and around the water. At Canada Water Leisure Centre, Recreation Assistants will perform a number of other duties in addition to lifeguarding, such as cleaning assigned areas, setting up and breaking down various activities and events and conducting pool testing according to procedures. You will work a 36-hour week across varying rotated pattern of shifts, which will require some evening and weekend work.
What We’re Looking For
In order to be considered for a Recreation Assistant position at Southwark leisure, you need to be a strong swimmer, and have excellent customer service skills. You should also have:
- A UK recognised pool lifeguard qualification (RLSS)
- Understanding of relevant health and safety legislation
- Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to appropriately correct behaviour of pool users where necessary
- A high standard of physical fitness
- Confidence and an approachable nature
Additional Information
Closing Date: 16th March 2026
Interview Date: 25th March 2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Recreation Assistant employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recreation Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the leisure centre vibe! Visit Canada Water Leisure Centre before your interview. Chat with staff and customers to understand their experiences. This will help you connect during your interview and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills! Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for someone. Whether it’s in a previous job or a volunteer role, having real-life stories ready will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your lifeguarding knowledge! Make sure you're familiar with health and safety regulations and pool testing procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Southwark Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Recreation Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for creating outstanding customer experiences shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the community!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications, especially your lifeguard certification and customer service experience. We love seeing how you fit into our dynamic team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for the Recreation Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Canada Water Leisure Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Recreation Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, like lifeguarding and customer service. Being able to discuss these tasks confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about creating outstanding customer experiences, think of examples from your past where you've excelled in customer service. Be ready to share specific stories that highlight your communication skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Get Fit for the Role
As a Recreation Assistant, physical fitness is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your swimming skills and overall fitness during the interview. If possible, mention any relevant training or qualifications, like your UK recognised pool lifeguard qualification, to back up your claims.
✨Embrace the Community Spirit
Southwark Council values community engagement, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to making a difference in the local area. Share your thoughts on promoting health and wellbeing among residents, and how you can support the council's initiatives like Southwark Stands Together.
