Lifeguard (5257)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•North Hollywood, CA

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 provides continuous, uninterrupted scanning of the pool and aquatic area; enforces safety rules and guidelines; checks equipment; and uses sound judgment to recognize and respond to potential danger or injury. The Lifeguard builds positive relationships with members, participants, and staff; reviews and follows emergency procedures; completes required reports and records; monitors the aquatic area for hazards; reports unsafe conditions; and participates in safety assessments, staff meetings, and training. The role also upholds YMCA policies related to safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management, and demonstrates YMCA values and Cause-Driven Leadership competencies. The position requires the physical ability to perform water-rescue, swimming, resuscitation, and survival skills; remain alert and focused while scanning for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity; hear and distinguish distress signals; communicate clearly with members, staff, and emergency personnel; and move safely around the facility, including entering and exiting an elevated chair. Lifeguards under age 18 must work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over age 18.

Requirements

Minimum age of 16.
Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer certification; Standard/Community First Aid certification; and Emergency Oxygen Administration certification. A provisional exception allows hiring before certification if the candidate is registered for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, has 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 perform the listed swimming, treading-water, diving, object-retrieval, water-exit, and CPR assessment tasks.
Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and remain alert and focused on the full zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
Ability to move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.
Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals in aquatic environments with significant background noise.
Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue and perform rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
Ability to communicate verbally, project the voice across distances, communicate swiftly and clearly with emergency personnel, and effectively give and receive directions.
Ability to act swiftly and take action in an emergency even when unsure whether a person is in danger.
Ability to perform the physical, visual, and auditory functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
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

Provide continuous, uninterrupted scanning of the pool and aquatic area.
Follow Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301 and consistently enforce pool and aquatic-area safety rules, policies, and guidelines.
Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
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 to emergencies immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Complete related reports and maintain accurate records required by the YMCA and/or state Health Department code.
Identify opportunities 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.
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.
Develop and demonstrate competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.