Head Guard

Organization Overview

We’re All In for Healthier Generations. Vivo is a registered charity with a bold purpose: to ignite a mindset to LIVE for healthier generations. Through our Collaboratory and our Centre, we co-create innovative, inclusive solutions that promote lifelong wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities.

We are committed to creating meaningful impact — for people, for our community, and for the planet. Join us as we build a brighter, healthier future together.

Position Summary

The Head Guard is a frontline aquatics leader responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, and engaging aquatic experiences for all participants. This role combines active lifeguarding and instructional excellence with shift leadership, mentorship, and operational oversight.

As the on-deck leader during assigned shifts, the Head Guard provides guidance, support, and accountability to lifeguards and swim instructors. They serve as the first point of escalation for operational concerns, staffing adjustments, and guest relations matters, while modeling professionalism, safety, and customer service excellence.

This position plays a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting staff development, and delivering consistent, high-quality aquatic programming aligned with Lifesaving Society standards and Vivo policies.

Reports To: Aquatics Manager and Aquatic Operations Coordinator

Hours: 40 hours per week (4 x 10-hour shifts) Wednesday - Saturday, 5:00am - 3:00pm.

*Typically 30 on-deck hours and 10 administrative hours per week, subject to operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain active lifeguarding vigilance using approved scanning, roaming, and blind-spot techniques.
• Lead and/or support emergency responses in accordance with Emergency Response Procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Lifesaving Society standards, Alberta Health Services regulations, and Vivo policies.
• Conduct and document required water tests; report results to Facility Operations as required.
• Ensure all cleaning, chemical handling, and maintenance tasks are completed safely and in compliance with WHMIS and PPE requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe deck and workspace at all times.
• Model and enforce respectful and effective radio communication standards.

Shift Leadership & Staff Support

• Act as on-deck leader and first point of contact for lifeguards and swim instructors during shifts.
• Manage daily schedules, including last-minute coverage and staffing adjustments.
• Provide real-time coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Lead by example in lifeguarding, instruction, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff.
• Facilitate and/or assist with in-service training sessions.
• Complete bi-weekly lesson binder audits to ensure rosters, attendance, and evaluations are accurate and up to date.
• Provide fair, objective evaluations of instructors and lifeguards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.

Program Excellence & Instruction

• Plan and deliver engaging, high-quality swim lessons aligned with Lifesaving Society standards.
• Evaluate and document student progress accurately and within required timelines.
• Ensure report cards and session documentation are completed on schedule.
• Support program start-up and continuous improvement efforts.
• Commit to full session delivery to ensure consistency for participants.

Guest Experience & Community Impact

• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable resource for guests and families.
• Manage complex guest concerns or public relations matters in the pool environment.
• Build authentic, respectful relationships with participants, families, and team members.
• Ensure every guest interaction reflects Vivo’s commitment to belonging, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Contribute ideas that enhance programming, engagement, and play-based aquatic experiences.
• Actively embody and promote Vivo’s purpose of healthier generations.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Complete administrative responsibilities within designated timelines.
• Collaborate with Aquatics leadership to improve tools, processes, and resources.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and facility initiatives.
• Ensure all certifications remain current and provide documentation to management.
• Take ownership of daily, weekly, and monthly operational task completion.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Current National Lifeguard Certification
• Current Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor Certification (Examiner certification considered an asset)
• Current Standard (Intermediate) First Aid with CPR-C/AED
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Minimum 2 years of aquatics experience
• First Aid Instructor, National Lifeguard Instructor, or SwimAbilities Instructor certifications are assets
• Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within 2 months of hire)

Core Competencies

• Leadership and mentorship
• Emergency response decision-making
• Professional judgment under pressure
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Accountability and operational organization
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance
• Inclusive, service-oriented mindset
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