Head Lifeguard
$20/hr
Entry
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person
Food Service & Hospitality
About the job
Requirements
- Maintain current Red Cross Lifeguarding certification; current American Heart Association and Ellis certifications are accepted until Red Cross certification can be obtained.
- Acquire Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification within 30 days after hire.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead by example.
- Have time management skills.
- Be able to work well with others.
- Be able to deal with members’ complaints.
- Demonstrate organization.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Be available Monday through Saturday.
Responsibilities
- Oversee pools to facilitate a safe, well-run environment for members.
- Know pool rules and answer questions.
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
- Enforce pool guidelines with a kind member-service approach and lead staff by example, adjusting assignments as necessary.
- Lead Summer Incentive programming, including positive praise systems.
- Run or assist in running monthly in-service meetings for lifeguarding staff.
- Maintain an on-deck presence at the fourth-level indoor pool and outdoor pools during summer.
- Provide training for new lifeguards and mentorship for all lifeguards.
- Adjust and communicate assignments to lifeguards as weather and attendance change needs.
- Ensure lifeguards are at assigned areas and performing to club standards; offer direction and guidance as needed.
- Communicate staff performance issues to the Director of Aquatics.
- Schedule and run in-service training for Aquatics staff.
- Teach or co-teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding (shallow water) certification classes.
- Give breaks to lifeguards throughout shifts.
- Observe assigned pools and pool areas.
- Recover member service when issues arise in or around pool areas.
- Relay member-relations problems to supervisors or management.
- Control activity around the pool.
- Enforce posted pool guidelines, children’s rules, and age restrictions.
- Keep pool and pool storage areas clean and organized; pick up towels and move chairs.
- Clean and scrub the pool from the waterline to the expansion joint; clean dirty pool areas throughout the shift; vacuum pools as needed.
- Shut down the pool and perform necessary cleanup when needed.
- Arrange equipment and swim aids.
- Assist Aerobics and Swim Instructors with setting up or facilitating classes, including taking attendance.
- Display appropriate body language and greet members as they come to the pool.
- Initiate and run employee incentive programs.
- Suggest new programs and ideas for improvement.
- Notice details around the pool area that need attention.
- Reassign staff when pool attendance demands, including sending guards home.
- Communicate problems or potential problems to supervisors.
- Maintain open communication with lifeguards.
- Refer employees to managers when appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
About the company
East Bank Club is a premier fitness, sports, and dining facility in Chicago’s River North. It offers a wide range of amenities—state-of-the-art gym equipment, group fitness classes, spa and salon services, and food and beverage options—all accessible to members through a club membership and staffed by a large team. The club differentiates itself with high-quality hospitality, extensive programming, and highly trained staff, earning a reputation as the industry gold standard. Its goal is to help members live well by promoting health and well-being beyond just fitness.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1980
Get referred to East Bank Club
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The new Rooftop project is the club's largest reinvestment, signaling member demand.
- Membership dues listed August 23, 2026 show premium pricing power at $295 monthly.
- Corporate memberships and coworking support weekday utilization beyond gym traffic.
What critics are saying
- The 2026 rooftop project runs through Spring 2028, tying up capital and operations.
- Daniel Levin died January 11, 2025, removing the founder-level vision holder.
- A 2013–2020 embezzlement scandal showed weak internal controls and financial oversight.
What makes East Bank Club unique
- East Bank Club spans 350,000 square feet across two Chicago blocks.
- Its 2026 amenities bundle fitness, dining, coworking, salon, spa, and childcare.
- The 2026 rooftop reinvestment creates a resort-style campus competitors lack.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- 401(k) Company Match
- Profit Sharing
- Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement