Beach Lifeguard

The Competition The Position Meath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent & fixed-term contract vacancies for the position of Beach Lifeguard shall be drawn.

Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities The duties of the post of the Beach Lifeguard include, but are not limited to: • Attending at place of work in a punctual manner; • Opening the Lifeguard hut and checking weather for appropriate flag to be erected; • Send text within 15 mins of arrival at Beach to WSDO confirming initials of all lifeguards on site; • Wearing the official Lifeguard clothing as provided by the Council at all times when on duty; • Checking the tide; • Putting out temporary signage as appropriate; • Patrolling the beach regularly • Checking all signs and lifesaving equipment including ringbuoys on the beach daily; • Keeping the assigned area clear of all hazards and remove same as required e.g. broken glass etc; • Keeping the welfare unit and area around Lifeguard station clean; • Beach Lifeguards should be on patrol or on look out from outside of the hut and should be inside the hut or welfare unit for breaks only; • Being courteous with members of the public; • Logging all accident and incident reports; • Liaising with supervisor and Communications Department of the Council in relation to media issues. Dealing directly with the media is not permitted; • Keeping the Lifeguard Hut clear of visitors except people in need of First Aid; • Managing the assigned beach area in respect of all activities; • Reporting directly to the Water Safety Development Officer and/or District Engineer and/or their designated persons; Supervising and assisting in rescue operations; • Reviewing complaints and accidents where required; • Testifying in court as a witness if required on behalf of the Council; • Reporting to their supervisor on the state of all rescue equipment, facilities and supplies; • Warning the public of dangerous conditions and post warning devices; • Administering medical aid and performs cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; • Explaining bye-laws and regulations to the public where necessary; • Coordinating with and requesting assistance from other agencies as required (in conjunction with supervisor); • Ensuring that at all times, priority is given to Swimmers and First Aid requirements. • All duties as laid down in the Irish Water Safety Lifeguard Handbook as appropriate to their workplace

This list may not include all duties to be performed by employees in this appointment. This list may not include all duties required as the nature of a Beach Lifeguards work may lead to unforeseen lifesaving situations ashore. Lifeguards will be required to work irregular hours to coincide with tidal conditions and bathing periods, including work at weekends and particularly over holiday weekends.

Character Each candidate must be of good character.

Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: • Hold a current Irish Water Safety, National Beach Lifeguard Award or equivalent qualification as recognised by the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS); • Be 18 years of age or over All candidates will be required to undergo a practical test in Basic Life Support (BLS), swimming ability, lifesaving techniques and a theory test conducted by an examiner nominated by the Irish Water Safety Association. They will be required to maintain a daily training routine unless they are engaged in lifesaving operations. Candidates holding Certificates of Competence in basic first aid and/or VHF radio will gain extra marks. While the above qualification is the minimum requirement for this post the following Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) qualifications would also be desirable: Cardiac First Responder, Emergency First Responder, and Occupational First Aid. Relevant experience in relation to the post is desirable Successful candidates will be subject to

Garda Vetting Desirable Experience and knowledge

The following are desirable: • Experience dealing with Public/Customers • Have an ability to work effectively within a team to achieve a common goal, ensuring standards are adhered to and maintained; • Have the ability to provide excellent customer services; • Have good interpersonal and communications skills; • Be motivated to achieve maximum performance; • Have an ability to work on own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision; Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

Miscellaneous Provisions Salary Salary scale: €15.92 per hour (EL 02/23). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Hours of Work The maximum working week will be 39 hours and the working pattern will include Saturday and Sunday working on a rotational basis. Hours will be part – time for June, full time for July & August and part-time for the first two weeks in September. All hours worked will be subject to the provision of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended. Candidates must be available to work from Monday to Sunday and hours shall vary from early morning to late evening. The working hours will be on a rota basis arranged by the Supervisor. You may be required to complete a time-sheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001.

Start Date Meath County Council shall require a person to whom an offer of employment is made to take up an appointment within a reasonable period of time, usually two months from date of offer, to meet the organisational requirements of the Council. Meath County Council reserves the right to withdraw its offer in the event that an appointment is not taken up within such a period.

Leave Annual leave will be calculated on a pro rata basis based on the number of hours worked. The leave entitlement and entitlement to Public Holidays shall be granted in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. The annual leave applicable to this post will be 8% of the hours worked in any one year.

Sick Leave The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Probation The following provisions will apply: (a) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation, (b) such period shall be 9 months but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period, (c) such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.