Lifeguard

MERRIMACK VALLEY YMCA•Andover, MA

29d•$17 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The Lifeguard I supports the YMCA’s mission and, under the supervision of the Aquatics/Assistant Aquatics Director(s), provides a safe aquatic environment for members, non-members, and program participants. The role maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas, and creates a welcoming, positive atmosphere that respects all individuals and follows YMCA policies and procedures. Lifeguards build positive relationships with members and participants through effective listening and verbal communication, and help connect them with one another and the Y community. The position requires flexible availability to accommodate registration, departmental, and branch events, including evenings and weekends. The posting states that the employee must work 40 hours, specifically during evenings and weekends, while also listing the position as part-time. The Lifeguard maintains constant surveillance, enforces pool rules, responds to emergencies, administers first aid and CPR, records chemical readings, and assists with pool preparation and equipment handling.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Current YMCA/American Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent.
Current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and Oxygen certification or equivalent.
Successfully complete the facility’s Lifeguard test.
Maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
Have considerable swimming ability and skills in rescue work, resuscitation, and first aid.
Be able to perform a continuous swim of at least 200 yards; the posting also separately lists a 300-yard continuous swim requirement.
Be able to swim 25 yards, dive to a depth of 10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound brick, and swim another 25 yards without using arms in under 1 minute 40 seconds.
Be able to perform American Red Cross/YMCA lifeguarding rescues at any time and react quickly and efficiently to emergencies.
Be able to work in hot, humid conditions and in a chlorine-based swimming pool.
Be able to maintain prolonged surveillance and concentration on the pool area.

Responsibilities

Remain flexible to accommodate registration, departmental, and branch special events.
Work evenings and weekends to accommodate the facility’s seven-day schedule; the posting states a requirement to work 40 hours.
Keep safety as a first priority and promote the personal safety and emotional wellbeing of staff, volunteers, members, and program participants.
Remain alert and attentive to prevent accidents, and respond quickly and decisively according to YMCA emergency and accident management procedures.
Maintain constant surveillance of the water and pool deck and ensure a safe, positive environment.
Enforce pool rules consistently, courteously, and fairly, and explain their purpose and importance to family users.
Administer first aid and CPR as required and complete the appropriate forms.
Take and record chemical readings as scheduled.
Assist with pool preparation and setup for the next shift, including handling equipment and pool chemicals.
Build positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal skills.
Demonstrate communication skills and contribute to developing self and others and engaging the community.