Aquatic Lead: Lifeguard

Whatcom Family YMCA•Bellingham, WA

13d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Lifeguard serves as a shift-level leader, subject matter expert, and role model for the aquatics team. The position helps ensure consistent safety, emergency readiness, operational standards, and a welcoming member experience across the pool environment. Lead Lifeguards provide in-the-moment coaching, mentoring, onboarding support, and skill development for lifeguards; lead drills and clinics; complete routine safety and equipment checks; and serve as the primary point of support during assigned shifts. The role also responds to incidents and emergencies under YMCA procedures, supports effective team response, and ensures required documentation and communication are completed. The Lead Lifeguard builds positive relationships with members and guests and helps create a welcoming and inclusive pool environment. The position follows organizational policies to protect youth from abuse and complies with mandated reporting requirements.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Current YMCA-approved lifeguard certification and current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications are required; other aquatics safety certifications may be required based on program standards.
At least one year of successful lifeguarding experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in lifeguarding skills, emergency procedures, surveillance, and aquatic safety standards.
Ability to coach peers with confidence, respect, and professionalism while understanding the distinction between leadership and formal supervision.
Strong communication, judgment, customer service, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to remain calm and provide direction during emergencies.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
Complete YMCA-required Child Abuse Prevention and other assigned trainings within required timelines.
Ability to physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard and maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
Ability to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and throughout the assigned zone of responsibility.
Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness and continuously observe assigned zones.
Ability to see and observe all sections of an assigned zone, including close and distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move quickly on wet pool decks and in aquatic environments.
Ability to lift, move, or assist with rescue equipment and participants as required for lifeguarding and emergency response duties.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a lead, trainer, mentor, or peer-coaching role.
Lifeguard Instructor, HSI Instructor, or similar training certification.
Willingness to obtain instructor-level certification as assigned.

Responsibilities

Provide shift-level leadership and serve as the primary on-deck resource for safety, emergency procedures, member concerns, and operational questions.
Model excellent lifeguarding, surveillance, rescue readiness, professionalism, and YMCA service standards.
Maintain expertise in lifeguarding standards and emergency response, including current certifications, protocols, and department procedures.
Coach and mentor lifeguards through real-time feedback, skill reinforcement, and positive leadership; escalate recurring performance, conduct, or attendance concerns to the Aquatics Director.
Support onboarding of new lifeguards, including orientation to deck procedures, shadowing, emergency action plans, opening and closing expectations, and department standards.
Plan and lead skill clinics, drills, and in-service activities focused on rescue skills, emergency response, scanning, teamwork, and identified development needs.
Conduct routine pool deck and facility safety walk-throughs and confirm equipment is present, functional, appropriately stored, and ready for use.
Track and communicate needs for first aid supplies, rescue equipment, chemical testing supplies, and other aquatics equipment; promptly report deficiencies.
Provide coverage support for call-outs or high-need shifts and help the Aquatics Director identify immediate coverage needs.
Respond to incidents and emergencies according to YMCA procedures, support team response, and ensure required documentation and communication are completed.
Build positive relationships with members and guests, respond professionally to questions or concerns, and help create a welcoming and inclusive pool environment.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and department initiatives and promote YMCA programs and services.
Follow organizational policies and procedures for protecting youth from abuse and comply with mandated reporting requirements.