Lifeguard

About the role

Places for People Group is a social enterprise focused on strengthening communities by creating homes and delivering services that help people thrive. Through Places Leisure, the organisation aims to improve lives by building active spaces and encouraging healthier communities, with a long-term ambition to become the UK’s leading enabler of health and wellbeing.

The company takes a people-first approach internally as well, with a strong emphasis on support, appreciation and belonging. In this role, you would be joining a lively, team-oriented environment where you can contribute to a shared purpose and build valuable experience.

Role overview

An opening is available for a Lifeguard in Felixstowe. This position involves working in swimming and pool facilities, supporting safe use of the venue and helping create a positive experience for customers. The role offers exposure to a range of future career paths within Places Leisure, including operational management, sales, fitness and customer service.

A National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is required. However, candidates who are safety-conscious, strong swimmers and keen to develop can be supported through learning and development opportunities to gain the qualification if needed. The organisation also provides ongoing training, competency checks, first-aid-at-work training, swimming teacher qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities.

Working pattern

The successful candidate must be able to work some or all of the following shifts:

• Mondays: 6:00-14:30
• Tuesdays: 18:00-22:30
• Thursdays: 14:00-20:00
• Fridays: 17:00-21:00
• Saturdays: 13:00-17:30

Key duties

• Supervise customers and fellow lifeguards using the swimming pool and related facilities.
• Maintain a consistently safe environment and take responsibility for health and safety across pool users and building operations.
• Pay close attention to detail to help protect customers while they use the facilities.
• Provide excellent customer service in a friendly, professional and proactive manner.
• Help maintain high standards of cleanliness whenever required.

Requirements

Applicants should hold an NPLQ qualification, or be willing and able to work toward one with support. A strong awareness of safety, good swimming ability and an enthusiastic approach to learning are important.

Benefits and additional information

The role comes with a broad benefits package, reflecting the organisation’s large and ambitious scale. Benefits include a 2% bonus scheme for all colleagues, full Health & Fitness membership for you, a nominated adult and up to four juniors, flexible working options including part-time and shift work, the chance to buy additional annual leave, ongoing personal learning and development, access to a company pension scheme, a cashback plan for healthcare costs worth up to £500 savings per year, discounts of up to 50% on activities, the centre shop and cafes, plus extra discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and more.

Safeguarding is treated as a shared responsibility. The recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including DBS checks where applicable, to help maintain a safe environment for customers and colleagues.

The organisation supports the Armed Forces Covenant and guarantees interviews for eligible serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners who meet the essential criteria. It is also a Disability Confident Level 2 employer and guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Neurodiverse candidates who meet the criteria are likewise guaranteed an interview.

Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as the closing date may be brought forward if a high volume of suitable applications is received. Applicants using a mobile device should ensure their CV is stored in the cloud, with Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox supported.