At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure pool safety, provide emergency care, and assist customers at the Centre for Sport.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at George Watson’s College, a leading educational institution in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy access to leisure facilities and flexible part-time hours with competitive pay.
- Other info: Shifts available on weekends with opportunities for additional hours.
- Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring safety while gaining valuable experience in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification; previous experience is a plus.
Job Description
We are looking for a Lifeguard to join our team in our Centre for Sport on a part-time basis. Lifeguards play a critical role in the Centre in ensuring the safety of all pool users and all those using the facility.
The candidate will hold a valid RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). You should be physically fit to cope with this role and attend monthly competency training assessments. Candidates will have excellent interpersonal and team working skills but must also be able to work by themselves. Furthermore, you must be able to provide emergency care and treatment as required in a calm and effective manner, maintain a professional demeanour and possess excellent time management skills. The ability to follow verbal and written direction is essential.
Previous experience as a lifeguard is desirable but not essential.
We are looking to fill a specific shifts on a Friday evening 6pm to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm. Additional hours will also be available to cover holidays and sickness absence.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application addressed to Mr Ian McDonald, Centre for Sport Manager.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 24 August 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview in the week commencing 1 September 2025.
Main Responsibilities:
Lifeguarding:
To be responsible for all lifeguarding duties for the swimming pool, ensuring the safety of pool users at all times by following and adhering to the centre’s Pool Safety Operating Procedure.
To maintain constant surveillance of users in the swimming pool.
To provide emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services.
To attend monthly competency training sessions to remain competent and able to deliver such services to members.
Customer Care:
To be visible and vigilant at all times whilst on poolside ensuring to be proactive in the management of this area and the behaviour and conduct of users.
To respond in a professional, helpful and friendly manner to a wide variety of customer enquiries when required on shift and covering the reception desk.
To ensure any complaints are dealt with professionally and passed onto the Centre for Sport Manager to be resolved promptly and efficiently.
Health and Safety:
To maintain the highest standards of Health and Safety for all Centre for Sport facilities by understanding all Club and relevant School policies, and understanding and reviewing all Normal Operating Procedures (NOPs) and Emergency Operating Procedures (EAP) to ensure they remain up to date.
To ensure all accidents and incidents are dealt with effectively and reporting procedures are fully adhered to, providing emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services.
To safeguard pool safety by ensuring that the poolside is supervised at all times outside of scheduled events.
Maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of the pool and wet side area.
To undertake routine maintenance checks on equipment, and report any maintenance issues, as well as any non-compliance of processes or procedures.
Attend any relevant training deemed suitable to protect or improve the service to members and enhance Club safety.
Other
To cover for colleagues’ absence, as required, and undertake any other reasonable duties requested by your line manager or members of the management team.
Ideal Candidate:
Essential criteria:
- Previous demonstrable experience of working within a Leisure or Fitness facility
- A current RLSS National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification (NPLQ)
- Able to provide emergency care and treatment as required in a calm and effective manner
- Able to work as part of a team and independently if required
- Able to follow directions (verbal and written)
- Professional and friendly demeanour
- Excellent time management skills
Desirable criteria:
- Hold a minimum of Level 2 gym qualification, HND in Fitness or a degree in a sports or health and fitness orientated course
- Previous experience as a lifeguard
- Previous experience of working in a School/working with children and an understanding of child protection regulations
Package Description:
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Part time, Permanent
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Benefits: Access to the Galleon Club leisure facilities
Lifeguard in Edinburgh employer: Teacheroo
Join our dynamic team at George Watson's College in Edinburgh as a Lifeguard, where your role is vital in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all pool users. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development, offering access to our leisure facilities and opportunities for additional hours. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on maintaining high health and safety standards, we provide a rewarding environment for those passionate about fitness and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lifeguard in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) requirements. Make sure you understand the skills and knowledge needed, as this will help you demonstrate your competence during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your emergency care and treatment skills regularly. Being able to showcase your ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your interpersonal and team working skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or handled customer enquiries in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your time management skills. Think of specific instances where you effectively managed your time, especially in high-pressure environments like a leisure facility.
We think you need these skills to ace Lifeguard in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Address your cover letter to Mr Ian McDonald, and make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications, such as your RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. Mention any experience you have in lifeguarding or working in leisure facilities, even if it's not extensive.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed customer enquiries or handled emergencies in the past.
Highlight Availability:Clearly state your availability for the specific shifts mentioned in the job description (Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons). If you're open to additional hours, mention that too!
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, double-check your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teacheroo
✨Show Your Lifeguard Skills
Be prepared to discuss your RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and any relevant experience. Highlight specific situations where you had to provide emergency care or manage pool safety effectively.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
Since the role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in both areas. Be ready to explain how you can contribute to a team while also being self-sufficient.
✨Exhibit Professionalism
Your demeanour during the interview should reflect the professionalism expected in the role. Dress appropriately, maintain eye contact, and communicate clearly to demonstrate that you can handle customer interactions with a friendly and professional attitude.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in emergency situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to lifeguarding, such as how you would handle a distressed swimmer or a safety breach at the pool.
