Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

53d•$19 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. The role creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Lifeguards provide continuous, uninterrupted surveillance, enforce safety standards, check equipment, respond to emergencies, maintain records, and help identify improvements to safety standards. They also build positive relationships with members, participants, and staff; attend required meetings and trainings; and uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management policies and values.

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; Standard/Community First Aid certification; and Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
A provisional hire may be made before the required certifications are obtained if the candidate will register for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, has participated in an interview, and has 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 certification and demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to perform the physical, visual, and auditory functions essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to tread water for 2 minutes using legs only; swim 250 yards of front crawl; and swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, and elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest.
Ability to perform the specified feet-first and arm-over-arm surface dives, swim underwater, retrieve and replace a dive ring, tread water with legs only, swim to the pool end, and hoist oneself out of the water.
Ability to perform CPR on an adult manikin for 2 minutes and follow the instructor's directions.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting the chair, while scanning the zone.
Ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals in environments with significant background noise.
Ability to continuously scan all pool areas with clear vision and perform strenuous physical tasks required for water rescue.
Ability to communicate immediately during incidents and emergencies, project one's voice across distances, communicate clearly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person, and give and receive directions effectively.
Ability to act swiftly in an emergency, including when unsure whether a person is in danger.
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 Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301 and enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
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 and/or state Health Department code.
Identify opportunities to improve safety standards and continuously monitor the aquatic area for hazards or unsafe conditions.
Immediately report hazardous or unsafe conditions to management and take appropriate action.
Successfully complete periodic aquatic safety assessments.
Demonstrate and maintain the stated swimming, rescue, resuscitation, survival, and physical skills.
Remain alert and focused on the full zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
Attend staff meetings and trainings 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.
Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.