Role Introduction

Eton College has a vacancy for a full-time Lifeguard who has the enthusiasm and passion to join our incredible team. As a Lifeguard, the postholder will ensure a safe environment for all our pool users in the Athens centre. This new high-performance facility comprises a 25 metre, 8 lane indoor pool featuring an adjustable floor depth, a 4-court multi-purposes sports hall providing indoor space for badminton, basketball, five-a-side football, volleyballs, gymnastics and can adapt to become a 200-seat examination hall.

Sport is central to the Eton community and the finest facilities are provided to support the sports programme which is designed to encourage a rich and diverse experience for boys. This includes a national standard athletics stadium, floodlit all weather pitches and pavilion at Willowbrook, and a fully equipped gymnasium.

The Lifeguards have a particular responsibility for the health and safety of users of the pool including ensuring the cleanliness of poolside and other communal areas. Setting up swim sessions, such as assembling and dismantling of equipment and assisting the Duty Manager In the opening and closing of the facility.

As outlined in the attached job description, all Lifeguards working at the College are required to hold a valid National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). However, if you are interested in this role and have relevant experience but do not yet hold an NPLQ then we would still welcome an application from you. If you have any questions about this then please do contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk

Lifeguard Course Prerequisites

Every candidate attending a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course must be 16-years-old or above at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

• Jump/dive into deep water
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
• Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water
• Tread water for 30 seconds
• Surface dive to the floor of the pool
• Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

Interviews for suitable candidates will be arranged during the course of advertising, therefore please submit your application early.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all operational duties are carried out in accordance with NOP/EAP procedures in the Staff Information file;
• Enforcing water safety policies and pool regulations whilst on shift;
• Carrying out lifeguard duties by overseeing the general safety and behaviour of the users to help prevent injury, drowning, misuse and damage to facilities;
• Carrying out lifeguard rescues;
• Full ownership of facilities whilst on shift; ensuring the user’s safety and correct use of our swimming pool and other facilities; changing rooms, showers and toilets and other communal areas;
• Responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of poolside and other communal areas;
• Setting up swim sessions; assembling and dismantling of equipment (i.e. lane ropes and diving blocks or any other poolside equipment);
• Assist the Duty Manager in the opening and closing of the facility and preparing the pool for use;
• Identify and report any maintenance issues promptly to ensure service provision is unaffected or has minimal disruption to users;
• To contribute to the continuous improvement of the Eton Colleges services;
• Attend staff training as required;
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Sports Facilities Operations Manager.

Safeguarding

• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following;

Essential

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• Knowledge of the importance of Health and Safety procedures in relation to leisure/ sports facilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, for the purposes of providing advice/guidance, as well as information and assistance on services offered and the operation of equipment
• Ability to demonstrate team player attitude and the desire to help and assist others when needed
• A resourceful and flexible approach to work with a positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Ability to work independently, using your own initiative and being proactive

Desirable

• A First Aid qualification
• Previous lifeguard experience

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College