Lifeguard

Santa Monica Family YMCA•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the Lifeguard helps ensure the safety of everyone in the pool area by remaining alert at an assigned lifeguard station, enforcing pool rules, and carrying out other assigned duties, including instructing lessons and conducting programs in accordance with the Association’s purposes and policies. The role provides a safe environment and high-quality service to members, parents, children, guests, staff, and volunteers. The Lifeguard monitors pool activities, responds to emergencies using trained rescue techniques and first aid/CPR, conducts safety checks, and reports hazards or problems to the Director. Duties also include opening, closing, and routine maintenance tasks; keeping accurate records; providing customer service; educating participants about pool rules; attending training and drills; and modeling YMCA core values. The position requires the ability to observe participant activities, respond to critical incidents, and act swiftly in emergencies. The work environment has a usually moderate-to-loud noise level, and aquatic-center temperatures may vary from cool to warm with seasonal humidity and temperature changes.

Requirements

Minimum age of 18.
Current YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification; Red Cross-certified lifeguards must crossover to YMCA within six months.
Current First Aid certification; First Aid for Public Safety Personnel certification must be obtained within 11 months and must be from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
Current CPR PRO/AED certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
Pass a written and practical skills exam before beginning duty.
Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, climb stairs, squat, kneel, and bend for extended periods while on duty.
Ability to safely lift 50 pounds.
Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and program activities.
Close and distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to withstand humidity and cool-to-warm temperatures.

Responsibilities

Remain alert at the assigned lifeguard station and vigilantly monitor pool activities.
Enforce YMCA aquatics rules and policies and educate participants about pool-area rules and regulations.
Respond quickly and effectively to emergencies using trained rescue techniques and first aid/CPR.
Conduct regular safety checks of the pool area, equipment, and facilities to prevent accidents and maintain a clean, hazard-free environment.
Report hazards or problems to the Director immediately.
Perform opening, closing, and routine maintenance duties, including water testing, equipment inspection, and pool-area cleaning.
Maintain accurate incident reports, attendance records, chemical logs, and shift checklists.
Provide customer service by greeting members, answering questions, and promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Instruct lessons and conduct programs as assigned and in accordance with Association purposes and policies.
Participate in regular in-service training sessions and scheduled and random lifeguard drills.
Maintain current lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
Model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Carry out other duties as assigned.