Category: Staff Subscribe:
RSS Job Feed Department: Campus Recreation & Wellness Locations: Bowling Green, KY Posted: Apr 14, 2026 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Part-time Ref. No.: PT8814 Position ID: 199436 Share
About Western Kentucky University:
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.
Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.
Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.
Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.
Job Description:
As a lifeguard the primary role is to ensure the safety of users in the natatorium. The duties for this position include but are not limited to the following:
- Recognize and respond effectively in emergency situations
- Administer CPR/AED and First Aid in a medical emergency
- Take a proactive approach to injuries by eliminating hazardous situations and behaviors
- Conduct daily inspection of the natatorium to recognize unsafe conditions; correct the condition and/or notify the appropriate supervisor
- Enforce Preston Health & Activities Center (PHAC) and Natatorium rules, policies and regulations
- Complete required documentation inclusive of but not limited to daily chemical logs, incident/accident reports, payroll time sheets, swim meet checklists
- Perform maintenance tasks and cleaning as scheduled
- Assist with daily operations of the natatorium
- Participate in departmental annual training, monthly in-services, ongoing skills assessments, and monthly swim workouts
- Assist with preparation, execution, and tear down for events (swim meets, pool parties, rental groups, ect)
- Other duties as assigned
- Applicants are expected to successfully meet the following expectations:
- Adhere to all policies and expectations set forth in the Campus Recreation and Wellness employee handbook
- Maintain required current American Red Cross certifications (CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer- Adult, Child, Infant, First-Aid, and Lifeguarding) (must obtain within the first 30 days of hire)
- Present him/herself in a professional manner and exhibit a high level of maturity
- Appear presentable and well groomed in the appropriate uniform while on shift
- Display respect and courtesy to Preston Health & Activities Center patrons, CRW Professional staff, student supervisors, and co-workers
- Have a positive attitude while on shift
- Be dedicated, prompt and have a strong work ethic
- Demonstrate effective customer service and communication skills
Salary Note:
This position has a seasonal pay scale. Lifeguards make $12/hr in the summer semester and winter break, and $10/hr the rest of the year.
Requirements:
- Possess current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First-Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional rescuer (must obtain within the first 30 days of hire)
- Successfully complete a pre-employment skills test
- Swim-Tread-Swim Test - 150y continuously (using front crawl/breast stroke), tread water (without hands), 50y continuously (using front crawl/breast stroke)
- Brick retrieval- Swim 20yrd to a surface dive, retrieve a 10lb brick at a depth of 10'-13', return to surface and swim back to the initial wall
- Demonstrate successful knowledge and performance of CPR/AED and First- Aid skills