Lifeguard - Morning/Opening Shift

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA • Traverse City, MI

11h • $16 - $18

About The Position

The Lifeguard plays an essential role in maintaining a safe and welcoming aquatic environment for YMCA members and guests. The position monitors swimming activities, identifies potential safety concerns, enforces pool rules, and responds promptly to emergencies. Lifeguards provide first aid, perform water rescues, and administer CPR or rescue breathing when necessary. Through attentive supervision and positive interactions, they help create an enjoyable aquatic experience while upholding YMCA safety standards, policies, and procedures.

This role has opening and morning shift opportunities, typically between 5:30 AM and 1:00 PM. American Red Cross Lifeguard certification training may be completed at no cost to the employee. The position is part-time or full-time and non-exempt, with compensation varying by employment status and an additional shift incentive for qualifying evening and weekend shifts.

Requirements

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Possess current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications, or be willing to complete employer-provided training.
• Maintain required certifications and demonstrate continued physical and mental preparedness to perform lifeguarding duties.
• Complete additional YMCA training courses and required learning modules after hire.
• Successfully complete the required background screening process and new employee orientation.
• Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to the YMCA's mission, purpose, and core values.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, accuracy, and effective verbal communication skills.
• Work effectively independently and in collaboration with other team members.
• Demonstrate a professional, positive approach to responsibilities, along with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Be willing to participate in ongoing training, accept feedback, and continue developing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous and attentive supervision of swimmers and activities throughout the pool area.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to aquatic emergencies by following YMCA emergency response procedures and the Safe-in-Six model.
• Foster respectful and positive interactions with members, program participants, and fellow employees.
• Apply and reinforce aquatic safety standards, facility regulations, and organizational policies.
• Complete and maintain required documentation in accordance with YMCA procedures and applicable State Health Department regulations.
• Regularly inspect aquatic safety equipment and ensure necessary supplies and equipment are accessible and ready for use.
• Evaluate pool conditions at the beginning of each shift and identify and address potential hazards.
• Remain continuously alert and responsive to sounds, visual cues, and other indications that swimmers need assistance.
• Support the upkeep and cleanliness of pools and surrounding aquatic spaces by completing assigned daily responsibilities.
• Conduct pool water chemical testing when assigned and not actively supervising swimmers, following appropriate procedures based on results.
• Participate in required staff meetings, ongoing training sessions, and scheduled in-service activities.
• Provide first aid, perform water rescues, and administer CPR or rescue breathing when necessary.

Benefits

• Opportunity to complete American Red Cross Lifeguard certification training at no cost.
• Shift incentive of $2.00 extra per hour for shifts starting at 5:00 PM or later, or any Saturday or Sunday shift.

What This Job Offers

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