What Do Indoor Lifeguards Do?
Being a lifeguard is one of the most rewarding careers to pursue because every time you show up for your shift, you play a vital role in keeping people safe — this often leads to increased self-confidence and a greater sense of purpose. Lifeguarding also teaches important life skills, including leadership, teamwork and critical thinking.
Indoor lifeguards are lifeguards who work exclusively indoors, rather than at the beach or other outdoor settings. Indoor lifeguards serve the same purpose as outdoor lifeguards: to keep swimmers safe. However, working indoors presents a unique set of rewards and opportunities.
Benefits of Being an Indoor Lifeguard
Being an indoor lifeguard comes with its own set of advantages and rewards, including the following:
- You are more likely to find a permanent position: Most lifeguard jobs are part-time and seasonal, but indoor lifeguards will have an easier time finding a regular, year-round position because you don't have to worry about winter weather. Many places, especially destination resorts and fitness centers, require year-round lifeguard service.
- You can explore your interests: If you are interested in pursuing other areas of lifeguarding, such as conducting swim lessons or water-based exercise classes, you are more likely to find these types of opportunities at indoor facilities.
- You gain valuable experience: If your goal as a lifeguard is to gain enough experience to work somewhere that requires a lot of prior knowledge, such as a coastal lifeguard, then taking a position at an indoor pool is an excellent way to help round out your resume and learn new skills.
- You don't have to worry about cold water: Unlike outdoor lifeguards, you don't have to worry about working in the rain or swimming in freezing water.
- You meet all kinds of people: All lifeguard jobs will bring you into contact with new people, but because indoor facilities are often smaller than outdoor ones, you have a unique opportunity to engage with the swimmers around you.
Indoor Lifeguard Job Responsibilities
As an indoor lifeguard, you are typically expected to do one or more of the following:
- Handle emergencies: With any lifeguard position, your primary job is to handle emergencies as they happen — this includes water rescue, drowning prevention, CPR and first aid. To prepare for these situations, you will attend mandatory training. It is your responsibility to be fully engaged during these training sessions. To set yourself up for success, implement healthy routines in other parts of your life. Stay active when you can and eat well-balanced, nourishing meals.
- Lead classes and lessons: Depending on where you work, your employer may ask you to lead classes or give swimming lessons. Many lifeguards enjoy the chance to get more involved in swimmer safety, and coming up with class ideas can be a great way to exercise your creativity on the job.
- Enforce the rules: All pools and waterparks have regulations put in place to protect swimmers from injury or drowning. Even rules that seem minor — like no food or drinks in the pool — serve a purpose. Indoor pool lifeguards are responsible for enforcing all of these rules. To do so, you have to be both vigilant and patient — especially if working around children.
- Perform maintenance and clean up duties: Some employers may ask indoor swimming pool lifeguards to help with clean-up and pool maintenance before the pool opens and after it closes. Depending on where you work, this could mean cleaning up all rescue equipment, applying chemicals or pool treatments or removing trash from the deck. Your employer may also ask you to assist with occasional events, like birthday parties.
Where to Find Indoor Lifeguard Jobs
Indoor lifeguards can find work in several different locations, and no two jobs are exactly alike. Ask yourself what you are looking for in an indoor lifeguard position — do you want to work primarily with children, or are you more comfortable around adults? Is your goal to teach classes and help new swimmers, or would you prefer a more professional, competitive setting?
Once you have a clear idea of the type of lifeguarding you are interested in, you can search for jobs at any of the following locations:
- Indoor public pools
- Community recreational centers
- Fitness centers or gyms
- Vacation resorts, lodges and hotels
- Indoor water parks
- Schools with swim teams
To find listings for indoor pool lifeguard jobs, check for postings on local community boards, or research job openings online.
Equipment All Indoor Lifeguards Should Have
No matter where you work, you should know how to use the following lifeguard equipment:
- A rescue tube: Rescue tubes are used to keep you and injured swimmers afloat in the water. They are available in several different sizes, shapes and designs.
- A ring buoy: Ring buoys help swimmers keep their heads above water while assistance is on the way.
- Spinal equipment: Spinal equipment includes backboards and head immobilizers to help prevent swimmers from worsening injuries.
- Reaching poles: Use pool poles to easily reach floating debris or equipment and pull it from the water safely.
- Life jackets: Lifeguards use life jackets or vests in several ways, including rescue, swim lessons and kid-friendly swim areas, and you can find them in multiple sizes, colors and materials.
- A whistle and lanyard: Chances are, you will use your whistle more than any other piece of equipment. Choose a whistle designed with lifeguards in mind, and attach it to a lanyard to keep it easily accessible.
- Swimwear: Lifeguards can wear wetsuits, swim trunks, boardshorts, tankinis and a variety of other swimwear. You might also consider investing in a rashguard or lifeguard outerwear. Contact your place of employment for specific uniform requirements and guidelines.
- Accessories: Lifeguards use other additional accessories — including goggles, earplugs, water bottles, hip packs, mesh bags and more — to make their jobs easier and to keep comfortable during their shift.
Shop Indoor Lifeguard Supplies at The Lifeguard Store
Being a lifeguard requires a significant level of responsibility and training. Still, it is a rewarding position for anyone looking to expand their skill set and make a difference in the lives of others. The Lifeguard Store has all the safety equipment, lifeguard supplies and personal gear you need to be a successful indoor lifeguard. You can also find other swim essentials, like kickboards, paddles, swim fins and pool toys. Browse our selection of high-quality products today.
