The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management
Frontline services
Seen by many people as a key route into the industry, these posts are more generic and deal with the public in a wide range of areas. Many senior staff started off their working life in such jobs and have successfully worked their way through the industry.
Lifeguard / swimming pool attendant / recreation centre assistant
A key position whose duties include: responsibility for users' health and safety (e.g. patrolling the poolside, testing for water quality), setting out equipment, cleaning, as well as organising activities.
Qualifications at S/NVQ Level 2 and coaching will be an advantage. Usually a swim or fitness test is required as part of the recruitment and selection procedure. You should be physically fit and be prepared to maintain your personal fitness level. Further on-the-job training will include RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (this may be a pre-requisite for the job additionally or it is likely that staff will be required to undertake first aid training leading to the HSE accredited First Aid at work qualification), dry sports and equipment awareness, basic water and plant operation.
The ISRM Sport and Recreation Operations Certificate is an introductory qualification specifically designed for people working in this area. It provides essential background knowledge in a number of core subjects, whilst allowing individuals to specialise in a number of areas of their choice. It is the ideal qualification to assist those individuals keen to progress their careers and move on to higher levels within the industry.
Technical assistant / plant operator
Many centres recognise the need for a level of general technical support. This kind of job usually carries responsibility for maintaining equipment and parts of the centre, performing minor repairs and maintenance. It may cover lockers, pool water testing and basic plant room duties, maintaining records and carrying out equipment checks.
Qualifications such as the ISRM's National Pool Plant Operators Certificate would be a distinct advantage, as would sports related experience and commitment to health and safety standards.