Lifeguard (5049)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Torrance, CA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck, and in surrounding areas. Creates a safe, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role includes continuous monitoring of the aquatic area, enforcing safety requirements, maintaining equipment and records, responding to emergencies, and building positive relationships with members, participants, and staff. The position requires the ability to meet demanding swimming, rescue, resuscitation, alertness, communication, and physical requirements. Lifeguards must attend required meetings and trainings, uphold YMCA safety and risk-management policies, demonstrate YMCA values, and develop competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth. Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or certification from the American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association in BLS for the Professional Rescuer, Standard/Community First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration.
A candidate may be hired before obtaining the required certifications if they will be registered in a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, have 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 meet the physical, visual, and auditory requirements of 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 the chest; and perform the specified surface dives, underwater swim, object retrieval, treading, pool exit, and 2-minute adult-manikin CPR assessment.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair; remain alert and focused for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity; hear and distinguish distress signals amid background noise; continuously scan the pool with clear vision; perform strenuous water-rescue tasks; and communicate verbally and clearly across distances and with emergency personnel.
Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty lifeguard over age 18.

Nice To Haves

1–2 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 applicable 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 related reports and maintain accurate records required by the YMCA or state Health Department code.
Identify opportunities to improve safety standards and continuously monitor the aquatic area for hazards or unsafe conditions.
Immediately report hazards or unsafe conditions to management and take appropriate action.
Successfully complete periodic aquatic safety assessments.
Meet and demonstrate the required swimming, rescue, CPR, resuscitation, and survival skills.
Remain alert and focused on the assigned zone for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity, and move safely around the work area, including entering and exiting an elevated chair.
Communicate promptly and clearly during incidents and emergencies, including giving and receiving directions and communicating with emergency personnel.
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 staff.
Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.