Lifeguard/Swim Instructor (FT)

The J•Maryland Heights, MO

About The Position

The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor ensures the safety and well-being of facility patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies and guarding the pool according to Jewish Community Center (the J) and American Red Cross standards. The role also teaches group and individual swim lessons and aquatics exercise classes, supports aquatics operations, and helps create a comfortable, positive, and welcoming environment for members. The position is full-time and based at the JCC Main (SFC) in St. Louis, Missouri, with schedule flexibility to open or close pools and work across multiple locations.

Requirements

Must have or obtain current American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid certification or American Red Cross Waterpark Lifeguarding and First Aid certification.
Ability to swim continuously and successfully complete required lifeguard certification and recertification standards.
Ability to enter the water quickly and perform emergency rescues, including lifting, dragging, and removing individuals using approved rescue techniques.
Ability to perform CPR, AED, and First Aid procedures during emergencies.
Ability to maintain constant visual and auditory surveillance of the aquatic environment and respond immediately to emergencies.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move throughout the aquatic facility for extended periods.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull an adult independently and assist with heavier loads during emergencies.
Ability to communicate clearly and hear alarms, whistles, distress signals, and verbal instructions in a busy aquatic environment.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to water, humidity, sunlight, heat, pool chemicals, noise, and varying weather conditions.
Ability to maintain the physical stamina, endurance, and fitness needed to perform the position’s essential functions throughout each shift.
Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to provide exemplary customer service.
Ability to make sound decisions.
Schedule flexibility to open and/or close pools and work across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

Provide exemplary customer service to members and professionally guard the pool to protect their safety and well-being.
Recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, following safety and emergency procedures.
Enforce aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations, as well as the J’s policies and procedures.
Teach group and individual swim lessons and aquatics exercise classes; provide private and group lessons and participate in instructor workshops.
Assist with scheduling and supervising part-time staff as necessary.
Inspect the facility according to a daily schedule and report unsafe conditions or equipment to the supervisor.
Help keep the pool deck and aquatics office neat, organized, and clean.
Answer telephone calls and respond courteously to customer questions, taking messages when appropriate.
Maintain a neat and clean appearance in accordance with applicable dress codes, and maintain punctuality and good attendance.
Complete required records and reports within established timeframes, including timesheets, accident reports, class rosters, and daily inspection reports.
Participate in regular in-service training sessions and attend staff meetings.
Maintain swimming skills, strength, endurance, and fitness.
Build and maintain relationships with members and foster a comfortable, positive, and welcoming environment.
Learn about the J’s programming and equipment to better address customer needs.
Assist in promoting aquatics and other agency programs and services.
Develop further aquatics knowledge, including through training provided by the J.
Use the organization’s software to maintain up-to-date lesson documentation.
Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.