Herts Young Mariners – Lifeguard (Open Water Swimming, Seasonal)
Herts Young Mariners Base is a spring-fed, 29-acre Outdoor Activity Centre in Cheshunt, providing a wide range of water-based and land-based activities. We are looking for a vigilant, responsible and enthusiastic seasonal Open Water Lifeguard to join our team.
Our open water swimming programme operates alongside a variety of activities including sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, attracting a diverse range of users. We welcome schools, clubs and public swimmers, catering to both recreational and structured sessions for children and adults.
As an Open Water Lifeguard, you will be responsible for supervising swimming sessions, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants in and around the water. You will carry out dynamic risk assessments, maintain strong situational awareness, and respond quickly and effectively to any incidents or emergencies. Delivering clear safety briefings and enforcing site rules will be a key part of the role.
You will play an active role in creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, providing excellent customer service and building confidence among swimmers of varying abilities. The role also includes supporting the hire centre, assisting with equipment such as wetsuits, paddleboards and safety craft, and ensuring all users have a safe and enjoyable experience.
You will need to be confident working with the public, capable of communicating clearly with individuals and groups, and comfortable taking responsibility when supervising sessions independently. A strong understanding of water safety, emergency procedures and risk management is essential, although further site-specific training will be provided.
As with all outdoor roles, the position includes general site duties such as equipment checks, maintenance, administration and cleaning. These responsibilities are shared across the team, and we work collaboratively to maintain high standards across the centre.
We are looking for a proactive and reliable individual who can take ownership of safety on the water and support the smooth operation of open water sessions. We are committed to staff development and can offer opportunities for additional training and ongoing professional development.
Training Provided**
All successful candidates will be provided with a Ready to Ride Paddle Sports Award and Swim Safety Rescue Course if required.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Open Water Lifeguard Qualification
- Paddlesports experience - including any awards
- Swim Safety Rescue
- First Aid at Work (16-hour or equivalent)
- RYA Safety Boat or Powerboat Level 2 (desirable for safety cover)
- Experience in outdoor or open water environments