Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Kansas City•Kansas City, KS

22d•Onsite

About The Position

As a YMCA Lifeguard, you protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and help create a positive, welcoming space for members and visitors. No prior experience or certification is required; the YMCA provides free training and lifeguard certification. Candidates who are not certified may be hired at a $15.00 training rate, with an increase after becoming certified. The position includes ongoing training and recertification, including two hours of in-service training each month and training activities during operating hours. The work may involve moving between outdoor and indoor environments and working in humid conditions.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certification; training and certification are provided for candidates who are not yet certified.
Must pass a physical competency test, including the specified swim-tread-swim sequence and timed retrieval event.
Swim-tread-swim sequence: jump into the water and submerge; swim 150 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination; tread water for two minutes using only the legs; then swim 50 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination. Swimming on the back or side is not permitted for the 150-yard swim; goggles are allowed.
Timed event: complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds. Swim 20 yards starting in the water without goggles, surface dive to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return 20 yards on the back holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Maintain a high level of alertness and continuously scan the assigned zone of protection.

Responsibilities

Model the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, and implement character development and YMCA core values in programs and center operations.
Continuously scan the pool, whirlpool, and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions and maintaining a high level of alertness.
Keep a rescue tube, whistle, emergency button, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available while actively scanning the assigned zone; do not substitute secondary duties for scanning.
Enforce posted rules and other rules needed to ensure participant safety.
Participate in monthly in-service training and ongoing training during operating hours, including operational mannequin drops, pool safety checks, and CPR checks.
Keep the pool deck free of clutter and perform maintenance duties assigned by the Aquatics Director.
Test pool chemical levels and immediately report changes to the Aquatics Director.
Complete YMCA accident and incident reports and submit them to the Aquatics Director.
Carry out opening and closing procedures.
Maintain continuity of lap swim and move participants as needed.
Work collaboratively with other staff.
Immediately notify appropriate staff about unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries.
Participate in safety audits and ongoing training activities, which may include being videotaped.