Summer Academy Lifeguard Substitute

Overview

HGW is seeking a passionate and energetic individual who wishes to positively impact children's lives as a substitute Lifeguard. Work Locations The Lifeguard Substitute position will provide coverage as needed at one of HGW's three swim sites during Summer 2026. Embassy of Switzerland 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Natatorium EB Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus Swim Center 2100 Foxhall Road NW Washington, DC 20007 NOTE: Pool is accessed from Whitehaven Parkway, across from St.

Patrick's Episcopal Day School. Schedule The Lifeguard substitute will have a part-time, intermittent schedule of approximately 5-20 hours per week within our core program hours of Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 3:00 pm, as needed to cover staff absences. 2026 Program Dates WSI Training: TBD Staff Orientation: 06/23/2026-06/26/2026 Summer Program: 06/29/2026-07/31/2026 *There will be no program on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day on July 4th.

About

Horizons Greater Washington Horizons Greater Washington (HGW), an affiliate of Horizons National, is a dedicated leader in advancing

education

al opportunities by creating long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create enriching out-of-school

experience

s that ignite the joy of learning for our students. HGW supports over 400 students across grades 1-9 with robust year-round programming. Our approach is centered on whole-child development, specifically focusing on building problem-solving

skills

, fostering a strong sense of community responsibility, and instilling respect for self and others. By maintaining this multi-year commitment from the first to the ninth grade, HGW cultivates meaningful, long-term connections between diverse learners and dedicated, supportive staff. Our program design and staff practices utilize a Positive Youth Development framework, prioritizing engagement, interaction, support, and a safe environment to effectively meet the needs of our youth.

The cornerstone of our work is the five-week Summer Academy, which expertly blends high-quality academics-with a specific focus on math, humanities, literacy, and STEAM-with comprehensive social-emotional learning, arts instruction, swimming, and confidence-building opportunities. Position Description HGW is seeking a passionate and energetic individual who wishes to transform children's lives as a Lifeguard. Swimming is a core component of the Horizons model and an essential part of our overall strategy to advance equity.

Students often begin the program as non-swimmers who are afraid of the water. The Lifeguard Substitute will work with the rest of the Summer Swim team to ensure that we have full coverage for our Summer Swim Program. Core

Duties

and

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Swim Director, the Lifeguard's

responsibilities

include but are not limited to: Maintain First Aid and safety supplies, and report to the Swim Director when a need arises Attending orientation sessions (as noted above) prior to the start of the program Protecting the health and safety of swimming pool patrons Ensure the safety of all swimmers and staff Responsible for surveying the entire pool, deck, and pool areas Maintain a daily log of all events, activities, and incidents that may occur Enforcing pool safety standards for all students and staff through consistent and open communication Working with the aquatics facility staff to ensure students are adhering to all building rules and regulations

Requirements

Qualifications

and Competencies Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (or the ability to secure such certification before the start of the program) Current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer At least 16 years of age Must possess good leadership and decision-making

skills

Excellent swimming proficiency Preference will be given to candidates with 250 to 300 hours at a facility that conducts regular team training for lifeguards.

Compensation

The pay rate for this position is 1.25 per hour. Lifeguard Certification Stipend If you acquired a Lifeguard certification between September 2025 and June 1, 2026, HGW will reimburse the fees paid for your Lifeguard certification upon successful completion of your employment in our summer program. Work Permits Employees under the age of 18

must have

a work permit from DC or MD.

How to Apply

Please fill out our online application which will include uploading a current copy of your resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with interviews beginning in mid-January. Final candidates will be subject to a reference check.

Background Check

Requirements

All offers of employment to employees 18 or over are contingent on the successful completion of the background checks described below: Fingerprinting (FBI) (MD and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Work includes regular time in a chlorinated pool and on commercial school buses. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard.

The employee frequently is required to be in one position for long periods of screen use, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear both in person and over devices. The employee interacts in close spaces and frequently with children and other staff. May be in situations which require conflict resolution.

The employee

must have

visual, auditory, and physical ability to respond quickly to critical incidents involving students and act in an emergency situation. Horizons Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family

responsibilities

, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, matriculation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, homeless status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.