Lifeguards are experts in water safety and must rescue swimmers who are sick, distressed or hurt. They may also do the following:
- Supervising swimming activities at the aquatic centre and making sure that safety procedures, guidelines and policies are followed
- Warning of unsafe activities and enforcing water safety policies and pool regulations
- Providing first aid in the event of injury, rescuing swimmers in danger or distress and administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or artificial respiration, if necessary
- Assessing conditions for safety and coming up with an action plan for aquatics emergency
- Inspecting pool equipment, facilities and water to make sure they are usable and safe
- Supervising and assisting in cleaning equipment and facilities
- Opening and closing the pool each day, depending on schedule and hours
- Organising and overseeing pool parties
- Instructing or assisting classes in fundamentals of swimming