Lifeguard

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Williamsburg, VA

11d•$15 - $17

About The Position

The Lifeguard works under the supervision of a designated supervisor and in alignment with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals. The role is responsible for patron safety in the pool area and for providing high-quality service to members and guests. Lifeguards work with staff to welcome, connect with, support, and engage members, guests, and colleagues. The Lifeguard maintains continuous vigilance, enforces aquatic safety rules, responds to emergencies, and helps ensure that the pool environment and emergency equipment are safe and ready for use. The role also includes maintaining certifications and records, completing required training, supporting YMCA fundraising efforts, and contributing to a safe and welcoming member experience.

Requirements

Be at least 15 years old with Red Cross certification, or at least 16 years old for YMCA certification; a 15-year-old employee must obtain a work permit before starting.
Hold YMCA lifeguard certification, or, if Red Cross certified, switch to YMCA certification within six months of hire.
Hold CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certifications.
Complete and maintain required training, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Pass a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Pass the lifeguard water test and meet requirements of ongoing drills.
Remain alert and maintain concentration while on duty.
Recognize visual and verbal signs of distress from a potential drowning victim within 10 seconds and respond to a victim in the water within 10 seconds.
Respond to emergencies, including water, respiratory, cardiac, first-aid, and missing-person emergencies.
Hear noises and distinguish distress signals, maintain clear vision for continuous pool scanning, and communicate verbally with sufficient volume across distances and in loud situations.
Perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
Sit or stand for extended periods.
Respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals, and promote a professional environment by modeling caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Help advance the YMCA’s community-focused work in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Maintain continuous vigilance and scan the assigned pool area, positioned to provide 180-degree coverage.
Know and review emergency procedures; respond promptly according to YMCA policies, procedures, and the Safe-in-Six model, and complete required reports.
Maintain positive relationships with members, participants, and staff.
Apply pool and aquatic-area safety rules and guidelines consistently, and maintain required records.
Wear required lifeguard attire and equipment, including a one-piece bathing suit, guard shirt, whistle and lanyard, rescue tube, CPR mask, and water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops.
Know the aquatic environment; check that emergency equipment is ready and that the area is free of obstructions and safe for participants.
Perform chemical checks when not guarding, as required, and take appropriate action. Only staff aged 18 or older who are adequately trained may enter the pump room or perform chemical-related duties.
Enforce pool rules fairly, politely, and consistently.
Maintain required certifications and follow mandated abuse-reporting requirements.
Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising, including Annual Support and United Way campaigns.
Lead in emergencies, report accidents and incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan, and help ensure participants follow the center’s Emergency Operations Plan.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings and follow department Association Standards.
Perform other related duties as needed by the Aquatics Department and center operations.