Lifeguard (5186)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Burbank, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas while creating a safe, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Provides continuous supervision of the aquatic area, enforces safety rules, checks equipment, responds to emergencies, maintains required records, and reports hazards. The role requires sustained alertness and the ability to perform swimming, rescue, and resuscitation skills. Lifeguards under 18 must always work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or American Red Cross, American Safety & Health Institute, or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer certification; Standard/Community First Aid certification; and Emergency Oxygen Administration certification. A provisional exception permits hiring before certification if the candidate is registered for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, has participated in an interview, and passed the pre-employment skills assessment. Lifeguard 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 2 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 from the pool bottom; tread water for at least one minute using legs only; swim to the end of the pool and hoist out; and immediately perform CPR on an adult manikin for 2 minutes.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and remain alert and focused on the entire zone of responsibility, including in high heat and humidity.
Ability to move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.
Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals in aquatic environments with significant background noise.
Ability to continuously scan all pool areas with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue and perform rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
Ability to communicate immediately during incidents and emergencies, project one's voice across distances, communicate clearly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person, and give and receive directions effectively.
Ability to act swiftly in an emergency, including when uncertain whether a person is in danger.
Lifeguards under age 18 must always 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.
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 hazards or unsafe conditions; report them to management immediately and take appropriate action.
Successfully complete and pass periodic aquatic safety assessments.
Sustain and demonstrate required swimming, water-rescue, CPR, and other physical 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.
Demonstrate and develop competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.