Lifeguard-Aquatics

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•East Orange, NJ

43d•$16 - $23

About The Position

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role requires constant, active surveillance of swimmers and the pool area, enforcement of pool rules, readiness to respond to emergencies, and maintaining effective relationships with members, participants, and staff. The lifeguard performs equipment checks, checks for hazardous conditions, attends required meetings, training, in-services, and rescue drills, and helps clean the pool area, including potentially cleaning fecal matter or vomit. Staff are expected to arrive 5–10 minutes before shifts, record time worked accurately, arrange coverage when unable to work a scheduled shift, and be flexible about covering other shifts or working beyond an assigned shift when needed for safety and coverage.

Requirements

Current Lifeguard certification.
Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification.
Current AED certification.
Current Basic First Aid certification as required by the New Jersey State Bathing Code.
Acceptable Lifeguard certification from the YMCA or American Red Cross.
Acceptable CPR certification from the American Heart Association CPR/AED or American Red Cross CPR/AED.
Acceptable First Aid certification from the American Red Cross or National Safety Council.
Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
Ability to demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to pass the lifeguard water test.
Ability to remain alert and sit or stand for extended periods.
Adequate hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals.
Clear vision and ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
Ability to communicate verbally and project one's voice across a distance in normal and loud situations.

Nice To Haves

Oxygen Administration certification from the American Red Cross.

Responsibilities

Wear the required YMCA Lifeguard shirt, whistle, and swimsuit, and properly wear and hold the rescue tube.
Actively apply and enforce pool rules and proactively address members to maintain a safe environment.
Know and consistently apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
Maintain constant surveillance of the pool, actively scanning swimmers and the water and moving the head from side to side every 10 seconds.
Remain alert and avoid leaning or reclining while on duty.
Minimize distractions that could interfere with effective scanning, including extended conversations.
Observe swimmer behavior and be ready to stop dangerous behavior.
Move to another area when multiple lifeguards are on duty to ensure appropriate pool-zone coverage.
Know and review emergency procedures; respond immediately in accordance with the emergency action plan and provide first aid when needed.
Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and staff.
Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
Check the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival and throughout the shift.
Attend required staff meetings and training.
Arrive 5–10 minutes before each shift and record time worked accurately.
Find coverage and make contact in advance if unable to work a scheduled shift.
Be flexible about substituting for other employees or working beyond the assigned shift to ensure safety and proper coverage.
Attend mandatory in-services and rescue drills, which may be scheduled without prior notice.
Clean the pool area, including potentially fecal matter or vomit.