At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recreational activities and ensure safety as a lifeguard in a vibrant community centre.
- Company: Join YMCA Bournemouth, a global organisation making a local impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and discounts on services.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to empowering individuals and building stronger communities.
- Why this job: Make a positive difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must have National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and First Aid certification.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard employer: YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
YMCA Bournemouth is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in the community. As a Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard, you will join a passionate team committed to health and wellbeing, with access to ongoing training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal growth. Enjoy a dynamic workplace where your contributions help build stronger communities while benefiting from perks like discounted gym memberships and employee assistance programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard
✨Get Active in Local Sports Circles
Dive into local sports clubs and recreation centres where you'll find temporary opportunities popping up all the time. Join community events or volunteer at local tournaments to meet folks in the sports-recreation management scene and make a name for yourself!
✨Utilise Seasonal Hiring Spikes
Keep an eye out for peak seasons in the sports world, like holidays or major events. Companies like YMCA BOURNEMOUTH might ramp up hiring for those times, so get your name out there early by visiting their booths at career fairs or sports expos!
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're studying, don’t forget about your uni’s career services. They often have connections to temporary roles in sports-recreation management that might not even hit public job boards. Get in touch and see who they know!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a portfolio showcasing your skills in sports-recreation management – think about events you've organised, teams you've coached, or projects you've led. Share this on social media to catch the eye of potential employers like YMCA BOURNEMOUTH and boost your visibility in the field!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your CV and cover letter, we need to see your love for sports and recreation shining through! Mention any relevant experiences, like managing events, coaching, or even volunteering in local sports clubs. This is key for Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH!
Tailor Your CV for Temporary Work:Given that this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to jump in and learn quickly. Include any past temporary roles or projects that showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments, as it’ll show you can hit the ground running at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to sports management or health and safety (like first aid or sports coaching), make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These can set you apart from other candidates for Relief Recreational Assistant / Lifeguard at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH.
Use Engaging Language and a Conversational Tone:When writing your cover letter, keep it friendly and engaging! We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to YMCA BOURNEMOUTH's team in a fun, vibrant way.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH
✨Show Off Your Event Management Skills
In the sports and recreation management field, being able to organise events is key. Come prepared with examples of events you've managed, whether in your studies or in past experiences. Highlight how you tackled challenges and kept everything running smoothly – this will show that you're ready for the fast-paced nature of potential roles at YMCA BOURNEMOUTH.
✨Know the Latest Trends in Sports Management
Being in the know about current trends can give you a real edge. Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in sports management, like sustainability initiatives or digital engagement strategies. Dropping a few insights during your interview with YMCA BOURNEMOUTH will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
✨Focus on Your Adaptability
As a temporary role, adaptability is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've handled sudden changes or unexpected situations in previous jobs or projects. Emphasise your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly, as these traits will reassure YMCA BOURNEMOUTH that you can handle whatever comes your way.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
In a temporary position, companies want to know what unique skills you bring to the table. Make sure to highlight specific skills or experiences that set you apart, especially in relation to sports management, like knowledge of sports psychology or community engagement. Presenting yourself as a unique asset can help cement your position with YMCA BOURNEMOUTH.
