Lifeguard

About the organisation

Places for People Group is a social enterprise focused on building homes and delivering community services that help people and neighbourhoods flourish. Through Places Leisure, the organisation works to create active spaces and support healthier lives, with the aim of becoming a leading enabler of health and wellbeing in the UK.

The company takes the same people-first approach with its employees as it does with the communities it serves, placing value on support, appreciation, and belonging.

Role overview

An opportunity is available for a Lifeguard at Places Leisure in Felixstowe. The role is based in a lively environment alongside like-minded colleagues, with the chance to contribute to a positive team culture and encourage others to perform at their best.

A National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is preferred, though applicants who are safety minded, strong swimmers, and keen to build practical skills may be supported through learning and development to achieve this qualification.

This role can also open doors to wider career pathways within the organisation, including operational management, sales, fitness, and customer service. The position includes ongoing training, competency checks, and access to first aid at work training, swimming teacher qualifications, and apprenticeship routes.

Working pattern

Candidates must be available for some or all of the following shifts:

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

Key responsibilities

• Monitor customers and fellow lifeguards using the swimming and pool areas.
• Maintain a safe environment at all times and take responsibility for health and safety across pool users and building operations.
• Stay alert to detail to protect customer safety while they use the facilities.
• Provide excellent customer service in a polite, professional, and proactive way.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness whenever required.

Candidate requirements

• A National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is essential.
• Applicants should be safety conscious and confident in the water.
• A strong commitment to customer service and safe working practices is important.
• Good attention to detail is needed to help maintain safety and standards.
• The role suits someone willing to learn, develop, and work well in a team.

Benefits

Employees receive a broad benefits package that includes a 2% bonus scheme for all colleagues, full health and fitness membership for the employee, a nominated adult, and up to four juniors, plus flexible working options such as part-time schedules and shifts. Staff may also buy extra annual leave, access ongoing learning and development, join the company pension scheme, and use a cashback plan for healthcare costs worth up to £500 per year. Additional perks include discounts of up to 50% on activities, centre shops and cafés, as well as further offers from retailers, cinemas, and other partners.

Safeguarding and recruitment checks

Safeguarding is treated as a shared responsibility. The organisation is committed to protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, harm, and neglect, and expects employees, volunteers, and contractors to follow its safeguarding standards and accountability procedures.

The recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where relevant, to help maintain a safe working environment. New joiners are expected to support the safeguarding culture by following policy and reporting concerns appropriately.