Temporary Lifeguard and Swim Instructor

Temporary Lifeguard and Swim Instructor

Salary

$17.13 - $18.50 Hourly

Location

Whitworth University Campus

Job Type

Temporary Employee

Division

Athletics

Department

Aquatic Center

Opening Date

04/16/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

Whitworth University is a residential campus shaped by learning, curiosity, and community life. This role is based on campus and requires consistent, in-person engagement.

Position Summary

Join our aquatic team as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, where you will ensure a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming environment for all pool visitors. In this position, you will be responsible for keeping guests safe by monitoring pool activities, providing swim instruction, and maintaining a safe and clean pool deck.

Core Responsibilities

Responsibilities for Lifeguards

• Monitor the pool area to prevent accidents, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies.
• Assist with guest services by answering questions, providing directions, and ensuring visitors have an enjoyable experience.
• Perform routine pool cleaning duties including cleaning the pool area and locker rooms, and maintaining overall cleanliness of the aquatic environment.
• Conduct safety drills and emergency response procedures to ensure preparedness at all times.
• In the event of an emergency/sickness employees are required to find cover and communicate with manager. Exceptions to this will be given on a case-by-case basis
• Arrive 5-10 min before their assigned shift to prepare and be ready to assume their responsibilities early.
• Lifeguards are to request time off at least two weeks in advance which will be approved on a first come first serve basis.

Responsibilities for Swim Instructors

• Instructors are to arrive 5-10 min before their assigned shift to prepare and be ready to teach at their scheduled time.
• Instructors should be in the water beginning lessons at the start times for lessons.
• Instructors are to request time off at least two weeks in advance which will be approved on a first come first serve basis.
• In the event of an emergency/sickness employees are required to find cover and communicate with the manager. Exceptions to this will be given on a case-by-case basis.
• Instructors are to discuss performance with parents, prepare for classes and/or perform cleaning tasks on each break to ensure the lessons run smoothly. At the end of each session, instructors should be prepared to discuss next steps with parents, whether their child is ready to move on to the next lesson level or stay at their current level again.
• Instructors are responsible for maintaining their skills and attending bi-monthly team trainings which will be treated as normal shifts.
• Instructors are to always maintain professionalism while on duty.
• Instructors are to follow all operational procedures as communicated by management.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

Qualifications for Lifeguards

• Lifeguard Certification through Red Cross (classes offered in April, May, June).
• CPR/AED certification.
• Swimming experience (a swim test will be conducted at the interview).
• Ability to perform heavy lifting when necessary for pool equipment or cleaning supplies.
• Knowledge of pool maintenance practices including chemical handling and cleaning procedures.
• Excellent guest service skills with a friendly, approachable attitude.
• Ability to remain alert for extended periods while maintaining focus on safety protocols.

Qualifications for Swim Instructors

• Prior swimmingandteaching experience preferred, but those without will be considered on a case-by-case basis. A swim test will be conducted at time of hiring to ensure competency.
• Possession of Red Cross WSI a plus, but not required.
• Instructors will be required to participate in lifeguarding ISTs in order to ensure water safety competency and ability to assist lifeguards on duty should the need arise.

Other Details

Temporary Appointment & Benefits Information

This is a temporary position intended to support short-term operational needs. Employees in this role do not accrue vacation leave or receive paid holidays. Sick leave is accrued in accordance with Washington State law at a rate of one (1) hour for every forty (40) hours worked and may be used during the appointment; unused sick leave is not paid out at the end of employment.

Temporary employees may elect to contribute to Whitworth University's 403(b) retirement plan; however, this position is not eligible for employer matching contributions.

You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.

Looking for resources to help with writing a faith statement? Check out our faith statement resource page for more information.

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Employer Whitworth University

Address 300 W Hawthorne

Spokane, Washington, 99251

Phone 5097774872

Website http://www.whitworth.edu