Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.
Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.
At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.
Job details
Ever fancied getting paid to hang out by the water, help people have an amazing experience and be part of something completely new?
HDC is launching a brand new aquapark and open water swimming experience at Hinchingbrooke Country Park this year – and we’re looking for confident, observant, water loving lifeguards to help bring it to life.
This is your chance to be there from day one (and yes, you can say “I was there when it opened”).
About the role
As an Open Water Lifeguard, you’ll be right at the heart of our new aquapark and open water offer at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, keeping swimmers and park users safe while helping create a welcoming, positive atmosphere.
You’ll supervise open water and aquapark sessions, keep a close eye on changing water and weather conditions (because nature likes to keep things interesting), and step in calmly and confidently if support or rescue is needed. You’ll work as part of a close knit team, follow safety procedures, carry out checks and help visitors feel confident, safe and looked after.
No two shifts will be the same – one minute you’ll be briefing customers, the next you’ll be scanning the water like a pro. It’s active, outdoors, and hugely rewarding.
About you
You’re alert, responsible and cool under pressure - even when the water’s cold and the weather can’t quite make its mind up. You enjoy working with people, take safety seriously and like being part of a team that genuinely looks out for each other.
You might already be a qualified lifeguard, or you may have experience in outdoor activities, water sports, or safety focused roles - and we can support training where needed. Either way, you’re reliable, motivated and keen to learn. Most importantly, you’re enthusiastic about helping people enjoy open water swimming and aquapark activities safely.
Bonus points if you love being outdoors and don’t mind early mornings, weekends, or the occasional soggy sock!
The dates for training:
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13 - 15 July for Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification
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16 and 17 July for Aquapark Module
Every candidate attending an OWL course must:
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be 16-years-old or over at the time of assessment
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be competent and confident in open water
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be able to submerge under the water confidently
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be able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/open water, swimming continuously on their front and showing urgency.
This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.
View the job description [PDF, 0.2MB]
Apply
The closing date is 9am 9 June 2026.
However, this is a rolling campaign and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don't delay in applying!
Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.
Working for the council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.
View our benefits.