Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

4d•$19 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Lifeguard maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas, creating a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role includes continuous pool-area surveillance, enforcement of safety rules, equipment checks, member engagement, emergency response, accurate recordkeeping, and ongoing identification of safety improvements. Lifeguards attend required staff meetings and trainings, uphold YMCA safety and risk-management policies, and demonstrate YMCA values and leadership competencies. The position requires the ability to perform demanding aquatic rescue and survival skills, including specified swimming, diving, treading-water, and CPR tasks. It also requires sustained alertness while scanning the assigned zone, including while seated in an elevated chair and in hot or humid conditions, along with the ability to hear and distinguish distress signals, communicate clearly, and respond swiftly to emergencies. Lifeguards under 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or certification from American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association; BLS for the Professional Rescuer; Standard/Community First Aid; and Emergency Oxygen Administration.
Candidates hired under the provisional exception must be registered for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, have participated in an interview, and 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 lifeguarding skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform the specified swimming, treading-water, diving, object-retrieval, pool-exit, and adult-manikin CPR tasks.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair; remain alert and focused on the zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity; and move safely around the work area.
Ability to hear and distinguish distress signals amid significant background noise and continuously scan all pool areas with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for water rescue and to communicate clearly and promptly with others and emergency personnel.
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

Provide continuous, uninterrupted scanning of the pool and aquatic area.
Follow aquatic safety standards and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
Check equipment 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 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 periodic aquatic safety assessments.
Perform the listed physical, swimming, rescue, resuscitation, 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.
Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop in, mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.