Lifeguard / Group Swim Instructor

Eugene Family Ymca•Eugene, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lifeguard / Group Swim Instructor maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. The role creates a safe, positive, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. It also builds positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal communication, helping connect people to each other and the YMCA community. Lifeguard duties include active surveillance of the pool area, knowledge and application of emergency procedures and aquatic safety rules, responding promptly to emergencies, checking for hazards, and ensuring appropriate equipment is available and in working order. The position also teaches group swimming lessons using prepared lesson plans and YMCA guidelines; supports participants' goals; maintains records; communicates program and schedule information; organizes class equipment; and trains and supervises class aides when assigned. The employee attends required meetings, in-service trainings, and other assigned training. The work schedule is needed from December 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027, with potential to continue into 2027. A certification class is offered December 18–20, 2026. The employer will provide lifeguard certification at no cost to applicants who are not yet certified. The position is part-time and non-exempt, and reports to the Aquatics Director.

Requirements

Minimum age of 15.
Able to complete the Red Cross Pre-Course Lifeguard Requirements: swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination; tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; and swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination without goggles.
Complete the timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds: swim 20 yards from the water; surface dive to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object; return 20 yards on the back while holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface; and exit without using a ladder or steps.
Demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with Eugene Family YMCA standards.
Maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
If required to drive while on duty, maintain a current, valid Oregon driver's license, a DMV driving record that meets YMCA standards, and evidence of insurability throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Current Red Cross Lifeguard or YMCA Lifeguard certification, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
Know and review emergency procedures and respond immediately to emergencies according to YMCA policies and procedures; complete related reports as required.
Apply pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines consistently.
Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available; check the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival.
Identify and celebrate the successes of members and program participants.
Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings.
Teach swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines, prepare lesson plans, and support participants in achieving their goals.
Develop positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, colleagues, and families; encourage parent or caregiver involvement and help participants connect with one another and the YMCA.
Communicate aquatics program and schedule information and refer participants and families to other programs as appropriate.
Maintain required records, including attendance and progress reports.
Follow YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures; complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
Organize and put away class equipment and report damaged equipment.
Train and supervise class aides when assigned.
Complete required trainings by their scheduled due dates.
If driving while on duty, maintain a current, valid Oregon driver's license, a DMV driving record that meets YMCA standards, and evidence of insurability throughout employment.
Perform other duties as assigned.