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 and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Lifeguards provide continuous supervision of the aquatic area, enforce safety standards, respond to emergencies, maintain records, and support positive relationships with members, participants, and staff. The position requires physical ability to perform lifeguarding and rescue skills, remain alert and focused for extended periods, and work in aquatic environments that may have high heat, humidity, and significant background noise. Lifeguards must be able to see and hear effectively, communicate clearly, and perform strenuous tasks needed for a water rescue. Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over age 18. The position is part-time, up to 29 hours, at the Antelope Valley Family YMCA in West Lancaster, California. The job shift is listed as any. The hourly salary range is $18.97–$18.97.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 16.
- Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or qualifying certification from American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association, along with BLS for the Professional Rescuer, Standard/Community First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications.
- A candidate may be hired before obtaining the required certifications if they will register for 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 listed physical, visual, and auditory functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to tread water for two minutes using legs only; swim 250 yards of front crawl; swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, and elementary backstroke kick with hands on chest; perform specified surface dives and underwater swimming; retrieve and replace a dive ring; tread water for one minute using legs only; swim to the pool end and hoist oneself out; and immediately perform CPR on an adult manikin for two minutes.
- Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and maintain alertness and focus across the full zone of responsibility.
- Ability to move safely to different locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.
- Adequate hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals, with understanding that indoor and outdoor aquatic environments have significant background noise.
- Ability to continuously scan all pool areas with clear vision.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue and to perform rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
- Ability to communicate verbally, project one's voice across distances, communicate swiftly and clearly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person, and effectively give and receive directions.
- Ability to act swiftly in emergencies, including taking action 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
- Provide continuous, uninterrupted scanning of the pool and aquatic area.
- Follow the Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301 and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
- Perform equipment checks 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 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 and pass periodic aquatic safety assessments.
- Perform the required swimming, diving, water-rescue, survival, and CPR skills and attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
- Remain alert and focused on the zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity, and move safely around the area, including entering and exiting an elevated chair.
- Communicate immediately during incidents and emergencies, including giving and receiving directions and communicating with emergency personnel.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
