The Ottawa Recreation Commission

(785) 242-1939
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Aquatics

 

Become a Lifeguard!

The ORC wants you!  The ORC is always looking for interested individuals who want to lifeguard!  Lifeguarding is not just a job for the young!  We encourage any one of any age to apply to be a lifeguard!  Join us this summer and make a difference safeguarding the lives of our community at the pool!

               

Position Summary:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to enforcing Ottawa Pool policies and procedures, which ensure efficient and effective operation of the pool facility. Duties involve all swimming pool operations, including first aid, rotations, janitorial duties, limited pool maintenance including, pool cleaning, cleaning of bathrooms & concession stand area, swim lessons, water aerobics and all other duties as necessary or required. This is a position requiring weekend and holiday work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Must be available nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Performs related tasks as required.
  • Must have ability to handle complaints or concerns from patrons and staff in a professional and tactful manner.
  • Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds) checking for safe conditions.
  • Must maintain high level of alertness at all times.
  • Will be required to complete 4 hours of in-service training a month.
  • Position may require environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
  • Will be required to participate in ongoing training that will be held during operational hours (operational manikin drops, pool safety checks, CPR checks).
  • Enforce all posted rules and any other rules that are required to ensure the safety of all participants.
  • Must constantly watch the pool and have a rescue tube, whistle, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available at all times, actively scanning 10 x 10. Lifeguard is not to do secondary duties in place of scanning their zone of protection.
  • Make sure that the pool deck is free of clutter and perform all maintenance duties assigned by Assistant Pool Manager or Pool Manager.
  • Fill out all accident and incident reports completely and turn into the Assistant Pool Manager.
  • Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
  • Responsible for maintaining the continuity of lap swim and moving participants accordingly.
  • Must be able to be a team player with all staff.
  • Must notify appropriate staff of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.

Education and Experience:             

  • Must be 16 years of age and no prior experience is necessary.

Starguard Elite Lifeguard Competency Performance Evaluation

  • Scanning and Victim Recognition & Proactive Rotation
  • Recognition and Response; Distressed Swimmer
  • Basic Life Support, Choking Adult/Child
  • Basic Life Support, Choking Infant
  • First Aid, Sudden Illness
  • First Aid, Severe Bleeding & Shock
  • First Aid, Musculoskeletal Injury
  • Suspected Spinal Injury – Land
  • Suspected Spinal Injury – Water
  • Basic Life Support, Adult Sudden Cardiac Arrest
  • Recognition and Response – Unresponsive Drowning Protocol

Starguard Elite Lifeguard Certification Requirements

  • Course length is approximately 23 hours.
    • 7 hours online
    • 16 hours in person
  • Candidates must pass a water skills screening to validate swimming ability and endurance at a level that is appropriate.
    • Swim 50 yards without stopping
    • Swim 50 yards with a rescue tube across the chest
    • Tread water, without hands, for one minute.
    • Retrieve a 10 lb. object from the bottom of the swimming pool (Forest Park Swimming Pool depth is 11′). Object must be retrieved from the 11′ depth.
    • Students must demonstrate knowledge by passing a written exam with an 80%.

Certifications: 

  • Starguard Elite Lifeguard Training

Click HERE for a job application and apply to join our team of Lifeguards!

Pool Rates & Hours
  • Open Swim
    • Sunday – Saturday: 1:00 – 6:00 pm
      • 2 YEARS & UNDER: FREE WITH ANY PAID ADMISSION
      • 3 – 11 YEARS OLD: $2.00
      • 12 – 59 YEARS OLD: $3.00
      • 60 YEARS +: $2.00
  • Adult Swim
    • Sunday – Saturday: 6:00 – 7:00 pm: $2.00
  • Holidays, Discount Days – $1 off regular admission
    • Monday, May 25: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
    • Saturday, July 4: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
  • Hope House Sunday
    • $1/off regular admission with canned food item
  • Swim Pass Cards
    • Swim Pass Cards can be purchased at the Goppert Building. There is no expiration date on the cards.  Cards are not limited to individual or family use.  They can be used by anyone within a group in the same age category.  The ORC is not responsible for lost or stolen cards.  
      • CHILDREN & SENIORS (AGES 3 – 11, 60+)
        • $45 FOR A 30 PUNCH PASS CARD (30 PASSES @ $1.50 = $45)
        • $90 FOR A 90 PUNCH PASS CARD (90 PASSES @ $1.00 = $90)
      • YOUTH & ADULTS (AGES 12 – 59)
        • $75 FOR A 30 PUNCH PASS CARD (30 PASSES @ $2.50 = $75)
        • $180 FOR A 90 PUNCH PASS CARD (90 PASSES @2.00 = $180)

 

Swimming Pool Rules & Policies

The following links are the Forest Park Swimming Pool rules and policies.  This is not an all encompassing list!  Lifeguards are to obeyed at all times.  Rules may be modified during the season at the discretion of the ORC and the ORC Recreation Manager.  Please note, unruly behavior and fighting is strictly prohibited.

  • Swimming Pool Rules
  • Daycare & Group Policies
Pool Parties

Have your party at the pool! The Forest Park Outdoor Swimming Pool is available for your party whether it be a birthday party, corporate outing, or a family reunion! The pool is available for rent Wednesday – Sunday, June 1 – August 8 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  

  • 50 PEOPLE OR FEWER: $150
  • 51 – 100 PEOPLE: $200
  • 101 – 150 PEOPLE: $250
  • 151 – 300 PEOPLE: $300

ORC Pool Party Rental Form & Policies​

Request your reservation online by clicking HERE. Please note, this does not guarantee your reservation.  Our staff will be in contact with you to finalize your reservation or provide you with alternative reservation dates.  Payment is required in order to hold your reservation.

TextCaster Text Alerts

The ORC utilizes TextCaster to send out important information regarding aquatics including weather cancellations, registration deadlines, and more! To sign up, please click here!

NEW Starfish Swimming Lessons

 

The ORC is now an independent authorized provider of Starfish Swimming!  Starfish Swimming is a nationally recognized swim instruction curriculum developed by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI). Learn more about SAI at www.starfishaquatics.org. 

The Starfish Swimming curriculum is designed for students ages 6-months to adult. Benchmarks are established at each stage in the program that combine both swimming and safety skills. Students participate in experiential learning activities that allow them to explore the water in a creative and comfortable environment. Correct swimming techniques are taught from the very beginning, providing an easy transition to advanced techniques and swim team.

Stay tuned for more information!

Get In Touch

Phone: (785) 242-1939

Hours

Monday: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location

705 W 15th St. – Goppert Building
Ottawa, KS 66067

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Goppert Building
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