Head Lifeguard - Arnold (Greater Annapolis) (Full-time)

YMCA Central Maryland • Arnold, MD

4d

About The Position

The Head Lifeguard provides hands-on leadership for a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatic experience for members, participants, and families. The role supports lifeguards and swim instructors, oversees daily pool operations, and ensures that YMCA safety and program standards are followed. Duties combine staff supervision, member engagement, program support, and direct lifeguarding or swim instruction when needed.

The position requires current aquatic safety certifications, the ability to complete the Y in Central Maryland swim test, and the ability to perform the essential duties of the aquatic positions being supervised. The role includes flexible availability for evenings and weekends and physical work in indoor and outdoor aquatic environments. The anticipated pay range is $16.90–$23.67 per hour, with placement based on relevant experience, education, qualifications, and internal equity. Eligible new hires with a current, valid Lifeguard certification may earn up to $400 in bonuses, subject to onboarding, training, employment-duration, certification, and priority-shift requirements.

Requirements

• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Current Oxygen Administration certification or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification or ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
• Current Pool Operator certification.
• Ability to successfully complete the Y in Central Maryland swim test.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the aquatic positions being supervised.
• Strong communication, customer-service, organization, and computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Completion of required new-associate training, including Child Abuse Prevention, before the first scheduled shift.
• Ability to complete required swim tests, certifications, rescues, and emergency-response activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and remain in or around the pool for extended periods.
• Ability to move aquatic equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor aquatic environments that may be warm, humid, wet, or cold.

Nice To Haves

• At least two years of YMCA, aquatics, or related program experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and support to lifeguards and swim instructors.
• Assist with scheduling, coverage, coaching, and staff evaluations.
• Monitor pool operations and ensure compliance with YMCA safety standards and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, and unusual situations.
• Lead or support in-service training, skill evaluations, and associate development.
• Maintain accurate rosters, enrollment information, incident reports, and other required records.
• Communicate professionally with members, participants, parents, and associates.
• Coordinate pool space, equipment, and resources for lessons, programs, and events.
• Monitor program quality and ensure swim programs follow approved standards and practices.
• Promote aquatic programs and support member participation and retention.
• Participate in organizational initiatives, including the YMCA’s annual support campaign.
• Perform Lifeguard or Swim Instructor duties when coverage or program needs require.
• Model the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Benefits

• Eligible new hires with a current and valid Lifeguard certification may earn up to $400 total: a $100 sign-on bonus and a $300 retention bonus, subject to stated employment, certification, training, and scheduling requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed