Lifeguard (5181)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Gardena, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas, and creates a safe, positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The role includes continuous scanning of aquatic areas, enforcing safety standards, checking equipment, engaging positively with members and staff, responding to emergencies, completing required reports and records, and identifying and reporting hazards. Lifeguards must pass periodic aquatic safety assessments, attend required meetings and trainings, and uphold YMCA safety, supervision, mandated-reporting, and risk-management policies. Lifeguards under 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over 18. The position requires the ability to complete specified swimming, water-rescue, and CPR skills; remain alert while monitoring an assigned area for extended periods; and communicate clearly and promptly during incidents and emergencies. The role also calls for demonstrating YMCA values and developing competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

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.
Ability to maintain required certifications and demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
Ability to meet the stated physical, visual, and auditory requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Ability to complete the specified swimming, water-rescue, survival, and CPR skills, including treading water, swimming prescribed distances and strokes, surface dives, retrieving an object from the pool bottom, exiting the pool, and performing CPR on a manikin.
Ability to remain alert and focused on the assigned zone for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity, and to move safely while scanning the area.
Ability to hear and distinguish distress signals despite background noise and continuously scan the pool with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks required for water rescue and act swiftly in emergencies.
Ability to communicate verbally, project one's voice across distances, communicate clearly with emergency personnel, and give and receive directions.
Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over age 18.
A candidate hired before obtaining 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.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of lifeguard experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Continuously scan the pool and aquatic area without interruption.
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 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 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.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
Demonstrate YMCA Core Values and the Six Pillars of Character in dealings with members, guests, volunteers, and fellow staff.
Develop competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.