Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Gardena, CA

11d•$19 - $19•Onsite

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, check equipment, respond to emergencies, maintain required records, and help identify ways to improve safety. They also build positive relationships with members, participants, and staff and attend required meetings and trainings. The position requires the ability to perform demanding swimming, rescue, and resuscitation skills, remain alert while monitoring the assigned zone, and communicate effectively during incidents and emergencies. Lifeguards uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management policies, and demonstrate YMCA values and leadership competencies. Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over age 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or certification from American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association in BLS for the Professional Rescuer.
Standard/Community First Aid certification.
Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
Ability to maintain required certifications and demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to perform the job's physical, visual, and auditory functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to tread water for 2 minutes using legs only; swim 250 yards of front crawl; and swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, and elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest.
Ability to perform the specified surface dives and underwater swim, retrieve and replace a dive ring from the pool bottom, tread water with legs only, swim to the pool end, and hoist oneself out of the water.
Ability to immediately begin CPR on an adult manikin for 2 minutes and follow instructor directions.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair; remain alert and focused; hear and distinguish distress signals amid background noise; continuously scan the pool with clear vision; and perform strenuous physical tasks required for water rescue.
Ability to communicate verbally, project one's voice across distances, and communicate swiftly and clearly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person.
Ability to act swiftly in emergencies and take action even 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

One to two years of lifeguard experience is preferred.
Certified American Red Cross Lifeguards must obtain YMCA Lifeguarding Certification within 90 days of hire.

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 required reports and maintain accurate records required by the YMCA and/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 required swimming, rescue, resuscitation, survival, and CPR skills.
Remain alert and focused on the entire zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
Move safely around the work area, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the assigned zone.
Communicate promptly during incidents and emergencies, including giving and receiving directions and communicating with emergency personnel.
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.