Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Torrance, CA

27d•$19 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role includes continuous scanning and supervision of the aquatic area, enforcing safety rules, checking equipment, engaging positively with members and staff, responding to emergencies, completing required reports and records, and identifying or reporting hazards. The lifeguard must complete periodic aquatic safety assessments, attend required meetings and training, and uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management policies. The position requires sustained alertness and the ability to perform demanding swimming, rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills. Physical tasks include swimming specified distances and strokes, treading water, surface-diving and retrieving an object, exiting the pool, and performing CPR. The lifeguard must be able to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair, scan the entire area, hear and distinguish distress signals amid background noise, communicate clearly, and act swiftly during emergencies. Lifeguards under 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or certification from American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer, along with Standard/Community First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications.
Candidates hired before obtaining the required certifications must be registered in a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, have participated in an interview, and passed the pre-employment skills assessment. Lifeguarding shifts may be scheduled only after certifications are obtained and approved in SafetyZone.
American Red Cross-certified lifeguards must obtain YMCA Lifeguarding Certification within 90 days of hire.
Ability to maintain required certifications and demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to perform the stated swimming, rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
Ability to remain alert and focused for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
Ability to hear and distinguish distress signals, continuously scan the pool with clear vision, and communicate clearly and promptly, including projecting one’s voice and communicating with emergency personnel.
Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of lifeguard experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Continuously scan the pool and aquatic area without interruption and follow the Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301.
Understand and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
Use problem-solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize potential danger or injury.
Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and other staff.
Review emergency procedures and respond immediately to emergencies in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Complete related reports and maintain records required by the YMCA or state Health Department code.
Identify ways to improve safety standards and continuously monitor for hazardous or unsafe conditions.
Immediately report hazardous or unsafe conditions to management and take appropriate action.
Successfully complete periodic aquatic safety assessments.
Attend staff meetings and training as required.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
Demonstrate YMCA Core Values and the Six Pillars of Character in dealings with members, guests, volunteers, and fellow staff.
Develop and demonstrate competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform all other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Maintain the physical, visual, and auditory abilities needed to perform the essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Perform required swimming, rescue, resuscitation, survival, and CPR skills, and remain alert while supervising the assigned zone.