Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard in Bournemouth

Location: Broadstone

Employment Type: Relief

Application Closing Date: 05/07/2026

About Us

YMCA Bournemouth is part of a global organisation making a real difference at a local level in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. We are dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking services that address the needs of our community. Our work spans key areas including Housing and Support, Family and Relationships, Youth Work, Training and Education, and Health and Wellbeing, all with the aim of enabling individuals to reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit.

About the Position

We are looking for a Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard to join our team and support the Operations Manager in all areas of the centre’s programming, ensuring a professional service is delivered at all times. As part of the Sport and Leisure department, you will help ensure the safety of swimmers, maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the centre, and assist with the day-to‑day running of activities and facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on a rota basis, ensuring all shifts and events are appropriately covered.
• The role will involve supporting a variety of dryside and wetside sporting activities.
• Set up and alter sports halls and studio spaces for the next scheduled sport or activity.
• Supervise the swimming pool and ensure the safety of all users following successful completion of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).
• Carry out general housekeeping duties, including maintaining stores, fire exits, public areas, changing rooms, and toilets.
• Assist with holiday club activities and swim lessons.

What We’re Looking For

You will be a passionate and motivated individual who is driven by our mission to empower individuals and create stronger communities.

Skills and Competencies

• Great teamwork skills
• Good timekeeping
• Reliable and dependable

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Adaptable
• Energetic
• Committed to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable adults, children, young people, families, and the wider organisation

Qualifications and Experience

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• First Aid at Work qualification

If you are enthusiastic about supporting your local community and enjoy working in a dynamic sport and leisure environment, we would love to hear from you.

Contribute to meaningful services and make a lasting, positive impact.

Join a passionate and supportive team that shares commitment to make positive change and build stronger communities.

Ongoing training and development opportunities to help you expand your skills and make an impact in your role.

Enjoy a wide range of employee benefits including a competitive employer pension contribution, access to an Employee Assistance Programme with counselling and virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, Blue Light Card eligibility, and savings across YMCA Bournemouth facilities and services. Additional benefits include discounts on holiday clubs, swimming lessons, children’s activities, café purchases, room hire, wellbeing services and accommodation stays. Please note that employee benefits are subject to change.

Additional Information

The role has a statutory, occupational requirement to ensure the safety and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk that they may come across using our services. The post holder will take responsibility for ensuring safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk as a priority and follow both YMCA Bournemouth safeguarding policy and BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership and Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership statutory guidance.

Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. If the role involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk, your employment will be subject to an Enhanced level DBS check prior to commencement date. All other applicable roles will be subject to a Basic level DBS check prior to commencement date.

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer of paid and unpaid workers. If you have a disability and require any adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, or within employment, please contact us directly. Please note we do not offer sponsorship opportunities with employment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and provide appropriate documentation as required.

How to Apply

Please click on the link below to complete a YMCA Bournemouth application form.