Lifeguard
About The Position
The Lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. The role creates a safe, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Lifeguards continuously monitor the aquatic area, enforce safety rules, check equipment, respond to emergencies, complete required records and reports, and help identify improvements to safety standards. They build positive relationships with members, participants, and staff; attend required meetings and training; and uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated-reporting, and risk-management policies and values. The position requires sustained alertness and the ability to scan the entire area, recognize and respond to hazards, communicate clearly during incidents, and perform rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills. Physical requirements include specified swimming, diving, water-treading, object-retrieval, and CPR assessments, as well as sitting for extended periods in an elevated chair and moving safely around the facility. Lifeguards under 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over 18.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 16.
- Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer certification, plus Standard/Community First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications.
- Candidates hired provisionally before obtaining the required certifications must register for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, participate in an interview, and pass 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 meet the stated physical, visual, and auditory requirements, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to perform the required swimming, treading, diving, object-retrieval, CPR, rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
- Ability to remain alert and focused while scanning the entire zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
- Ability to hear and distinguish distress signals despite significant background noise in indoor and outdoor aquatic environments.
- Ability to communicate verbally, project a voice across distances, communicate clearly with emergency personnel, and give and receive directions.
- Lifeguards under age 18 must always work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18.
Nice To Haves
- 1–2 years of lifeguard experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Continuously and uninterruptedly scan the pool and aquatic area.
- Follow the YMCA Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
- Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
- Use sound problem-solving and quick decision-making to 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 required reports and maintain accurate records required by the YMCA or state Health Department code.
- Identify ways to improve safety standards and continuously monitor the aquatic area 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 the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values in dealings with members, guests, volunteers, and fellow staff.
- Develop and demonstrate competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
