Permanent Lifeguard/Instructor

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include planning, Local Enterprise Office, rural and community development, transportation, motor tax, water, environment, emergency services along with housing activation & delivery, libraries, and sports & amenities, property management, derelict sites, and vacant homes. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance and People and Culture functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Lifeguard Instructor from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

The Active Ennis Leisure Complex is a complete indoor health and fitness arena with white flag accreditation, providing pool and gym-based activities for all individuals and clubs in Ennis and further afield. Active Ennis Leisure Complex has for many years had a great association with water safety and with the Lifeguard Service in particular. Many of the lifeguards who have guarded the beaches of Clare over the years availed of their early training in the pool. Active Ennis Leisure Complex is widely recognised as the centre of excellence for swim lessons in Clare. Our team of instructors has vast experience teaching adults and children at all levels from beginner to competitive swimmer.

The principal duty of the Lifeguard Instructor shall be to safeguard the users of the pool by maintaining a constant observation of all swimmers while on duty. The successful candidate will also be tasked to work across other streams of activities provided within the Complex for example, teaching swimming classes, lifesaving lessons, aquafit classes, running camps, allowing the candidate to develop their career potential. Training will be provided.

Desirable Skills

• Pool Plant Operator Certificate
• Aqua Aerobics Instructor Certificate
• Gym Instructor Qualification

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require. 

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following: 

• The principal duty of the Lifeguard Instructor shall be to safeguard the users of the pool by maintaining a constant observation of all swimmers while on duty. 
• The Lifeguard Instructor may be tasked to work across the other streams of activities provided within the Active Ennis complex and where relevant particular training for the duties will be provided or verified by the Manager.
• On commencement of daily duties, shall inspect all equipment at their disposal and ensure that it is serviceable. They shall then inspect the pool and pool area, making sure that it is clean and safe for use. 
• When defects are noticed, shall rectify them where possible, and if not, immediately bring them to the attention of the Supervisor. 
• Point out the regulations to the swimmers and make sure that hygiene is practised by them in the use of showers, etc. 
• See that the pool users are well behaved and shall discourage any conduct that might lead to the injury or discomfort of other swimmers. 
• Where minor offences occur, such as disobeying instructions or breaking the rules, the offenders shall be warned before being reported to the Management. Immediately report to the Duty Manager incidents of gross misconduct. 
• The successful candidate will be required to teach swimming, lifesaving lessons & aquafit, take classes, run Camps & Birthday Parties. (training will be provided). 
• Encourage and promote swimming and the use of the pool. 
• Stand in for the Duty Manager in operating the pool equipment when occasion demands. • Co-operate with the Duty Manager in maintaining the efficient running of the pool. 
• Give any information in relation to the pool to the County Council or its officials as requested from time to time. 
• Render first-aid and resuscitation when/if required and shall make every effort to improve competency in this regard. 
• Required to carry out hygiene duties in and around the pool area/changing village and the Leisure Complex when required. 
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager.

Essential Criteria

1. Character 

Each candidate must be of good character.

 2.Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

 3. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold a National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2 from Water Safety Ireland. Valid original certificate will be required to be presented prior to employment.

OR

(b) Applicants who hold a lifeguard qualification from another recognised body can apply; however, if successful, they must complete and pass the National Pool Lifeguard Award Level 2 course from Water Safety Ireland before commencing employment. This course will be provided by Clare County council.

(c) Hold a Full Swim Teacher Award/Qualification from Water Safety Ireland or equivalent.

OR

(d) Hold an Assistant Swim Teacher Award from Water Safety Ireland or Swim Ireland. Successful applicants must obtain a full Swim Teacher Award from Water Safety Ireland within their one-year probationary period.

(e) A current Certificate in Occupational First Aid, or the ability to obtain this certification prior to commencement of employment.

(f) Have a good standard of education to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential criteria in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post (February 2026): €794.06 - €815.62 per week

The post-holder may be required to work a 39 hour week, and will be required to work evenings and weekends as part of their normal working week.