Lifeguard
About The Position
Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas while creating a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This is a part-time position of up to 29 hours, located in West Lancaster, California. The position requires continuous attention to the aquatic area, effective member and staff relationships, prompt emergency response, accurate records, and participation in required meetings, training, and safety assessments. Lifeguards must be able to perform demanding swimming, rescue, and CPR skills; remain alert while seated for extended periods in an elevated chair and working in high heat and humidity; and communicate clearly with members, staff, and emergency personnel. Employees under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18. Lifeguarding shifts may begin only after required certifications are obtained and approved in SafetyZone.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 16.
- Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification and current BLS for the Professional Rescuer, Standard/Community First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications from the YMCA, American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association, as applicable.
- A provisional hire may be made before obtaining the required certifications if the candidate will be registered in a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, has participated in an interview, and has 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 physical, visual, and auditory functions essential to the job, 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, 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 remain alert and focused on the entire zone of responsibility, including under high heat and humidity.
- Adequate hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals in environments with significant background noise.
- Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool 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 and clearly with others, including across distances and with emergency personnel by telephone or in person.
- Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18.
Nice To Haves
- 1–2 years of lifeguard experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Continuously scan the pool and aquatic area without interruption and follow the Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301.
- Understand and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
- Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
- Use sound judgment 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 records required by the YMCA and/or state Health Department code.
- Identify ways to improve safety standards and continuously monitor the aquatic area for hazards or unsafe conditions.
- Immediately report hazardous or unsafe conditions to management and take appropriate action.
- Successfully complete periodic aquatic safety assessments.
- Attend required staff meetings and training.
- 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 competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
- Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
- Perform required swimming, water-rescue, survival, resuscitation, 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 zone.
- Communicate promptly during incidents and emergencies, including projecting the voice, communicating with emergency personnel, and giving and receiving directions.
- Act swiftly in emergencies, including when uncertain whether someone is in danger.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
