Jr. Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver • Arvada, CO

3d • $17 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

The Jr. Lifeguard is part of the Aquatics team and helps create a welcoming environment through customer service and relationship building. This paid, structured development opportunity is for 15-year-olds preparing to pursue lifeguard certification at age 16. Junior Lifeguards assist certified lifeguards with deck support, safety monitoring, pool upkeep, swim lessons, and aquatic programs while learning responsibility, teamwork, safety awareness, and emergency response fundamentals. They work under direct supervision, are always scheduled with certified staff, and are never assigned independent lifeguard duties.

The position assists in guarding the pool and maintaining a safe and clean aquatic environment for members and guests. The Jr. Lifeguard is expected to demonstrate the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and follow YMCA safety and professional conduct policies. The role includes safety and abuse-prevention training and provides mentorship and a foundation for future lifeguard certification.

Requirements

• Must be 15 years old.
• Strong swimmer; a swim assessment is required.
• Responsible, attentive, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable following safety protocols and supervision standards.
• Able to work limited, age-appropriate hours in accordance with Colorado youth employment guidelines.
• CPR-PR/AED, Oxygen Administration, and Standard First Aid certification, or ability to obtain them before hire.
• American Red Cross/YMCA Lifeguard certification, or ability to obtain it before hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified lifeguards with deck support and safety monitoring.
• Help maintain a clean and safe pool environment and proactively clean or repair areas used by the program.
• Support swim lessons and aquatic programs.
• Participate in lifeguard readiness training and practice water safety and emergency response fundamentals.
• Maintain pool safety using YMCA-approved techniques and procedures, including dismissing participants for disruptive behavior.
• Perform chemical checks as indicated.
• Wear protective gear when handling biohazard materials.
• Report accidents and incidents to a supervisor immediately using the proper forms.
• Maintain current lifeguard, CPR Pro, First Aid, and other safety certifications and training as required.
• Educate participants about pool rules and enforce them as required.
• Follow YMCA procedures and policies, including personnel guidelines, facility access procedures, membership policies, and emergency plans.
• Support the YMCA annual support campaign and model YMCA values in interactions with participants, members, and guests.
• Work under the direct supervision of certified lifeguards and comply with YMCA safety, professional conduct, and abuse-prevention policies.

Benefits

• Free individual membership.
• Program discounts.
• Retirement contribution options, including a company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled and working 20 or more hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed