Lifeguard (5185)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•West Lancaster, CA

10d

About The Position

The Lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas, and creates a safe, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role provides continuous supervision of the aquatic area, enforces safety rules, checks equipment, responds to emergencies, completes required reports and records, and helps improve safety standards. Lifeguards must complete periodic aquatic safety assessments, attend required meetings and trainings, uphold YMCA safety and risk-management policies, and demonstrate YMCA and character values in their interactions. Lifeguards under 18 must always work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or an eligible provisional pathway: register for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, participate in an interview, and pass the pre-employment skills assessment. Lifeguarding shifts may be scheduled only after certifications are obtained and approved in SafetyZone.
Current BLS for the Professional Rescuer certification from the American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association.
Current Standard/Community First Aid certification.
Current Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
Certified American Red Cross 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.
Physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to perform specified swimming and rescue assessments, including treading water, swimming required strokes and distances, surface diving, retrieving an object from the pool bottom, exiting the pool, and performing CPR on a manikin.
Ability to remain alert and focused while seated for extended periods in an elevated chair, including in high heat and humidity.
Ability to move safely around the work area, hear and distinguish distress signals amid background noise, continuously scan the pool with clear vision, perform strenuous water-rescue tasks, and communicate clearly and swiftly during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of lifeguard experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Continuously and without interruption scan 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.
Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
Use sound problem-solving and make quick decisions to instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize potential danger or injury.
Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and staff.
Review emergency procedures and respond immediately to emergencies in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Complete required reports and maintain records required by the YMCA or state Health Department code.
Identify opportunities to improve safety standards and continuously monitor for hazardous or unsafe conditions; report and address hazards promptly.
Pass periodic aquatic safety assessments and maintain the ability to perform required rescue, resuscitation, swimming, and survival skills.
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.
Develop and demonstrate competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.