Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Montebello, CA

6d•$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, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Lifeguards continuously scan the aquatic area, enforce safety rules, check equipment, assess potential hazards, and respond promptly to emergencies. They build positive relationships with members, participants, and staff; complete required reports and records; and help identify ways to improve safety standards. The position requires maintaining lifeguarding, first aid, CPR, and emergency response skills, completing periodic aquatic safety assessments, and attending required staff meetings and training. Lifeguards must be able to perform demanding swimming and rescue tasks, remain alert while seated for extended periods in an elevated chair, and communicate clearly during routine work and emergencies. Staff are expected to uphold YMCA safety and risk-management policies and demonstrate YMCA values and leadership competencies. Lifeguards under 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over 18.

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.
Candidates hired provisionally before obtaining the required certifications must register for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, participate in an interview, and pass 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.
Physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to complete the specified aquatic skills, including treading water, swimming prescribed distances and strokes, surface dives and underwater swimming, retrieving and replacing an object from the pool bottom, exiting the pool, and performing CPR on an adult manikin.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and remain alert and focused on the full zone of responsibility, including in high heat and humidity.
Ability to move safely around the work area, including entering and exiting an elevated chair while scanning the zone of responsibility.
Adequate hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals amid aquatic-environment background noise.
Clear vision sufficient to continuously scan all areas of the pool.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue and to act swiftly in an emergency, including when uncertain whether someone is in danger.
Ability to communicate verbally, project one's voice across distances, communicate clearly and swiftly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person, and give and receive directions effectively.
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 preferred.

Responsibilities

Continuously and without interruption scan 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.
Check equipment and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
Use sound problem-solving and decision-making to instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize potential danger or injury.
Maintain effective and 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 accurate records required by the YMCA 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 and maintain lifeguarding, rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
Attend staff meetings and training 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.