Morning Lifeguard - $300 Hiring Bonus

YMCA of Rock River Valley • Rockford, IL

2d • $15

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Lifeguards are primarily responsible for preventing drownings and injuries from occurring. Lifeguards must be able to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. The Lifeguard creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas. In accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, lifeguards will ensure safe and quality program operations that promotes the five core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith as well as upholds our service standards of welcoming, connecting, supporting, and inviting. Regardless of primary assignment, this position is expected to rotate between all YMCA pool locations.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 15 years old required.
• Certifications required upon hire: Basic Life Support, Basic First Aid, Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguard (or ARC). Training provided prior to hiring. If ARC certified, YMCA Lifeguard crossover course to be completed within 120 days.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• YMCAs I Hear You: Service with CARE and Redwoods The Professional Lifeguard e-learnings to be completed within 120 days .
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• Maintains constant and vigilant surveillance of the pool area and remains free of distractions while on the stand.
• Participates in ongoing training in visual surveillance and hazard detection.
• Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire aquatics program by modeling: The YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith The YMCA service standards: We Welcome, We Connect, We Support, We Invite
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the safe-in-six model; completes related reports as required.
• Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
• Performs equipment checks and reports equipment issues and/or shortages to supervisor.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival, including but not limited to water clarity, temperature, lighting, and/or on-deck hazards.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and notifies on-call supervisor as needed.
• Attends all mandatory staff meetings and trainings as required, and regularly achieves four hours of skill practice per month with continued exposure to drowning scenarios.
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and fellow staff.
• When not on active surveillance duty, assists with maintaining pool and deck cleanliness as well as other duties as needed.
• Meets attendance and punctuality requirements as outlined in the department handbook.
• Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
• Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

Benefits

• NEW HIRE SIGN-ON BONUS - $300 New lifeguard employees will be qualified to receive a sign-on bonus. All new hires will be eligible for this bonus, even without having been referred by current staff. Bonus will be awarded after the new hire completes 90 days of service, and The new hire remains in good standing, defined as Actively employed, and Received less than 2 documented, progressive discipline conversations, and All trainings and other staff requirements are complete and up to date These incentives are effective for candidates applying 9/12/2025 and forward. The incentive process will be evaluated June 30, 2026 to determine if they will continue.
• FREE TRAINING AVAILABLE! If you do not currently meet the certification requirement, we are offering the following courses: CROSSOVER CLASS (for those currently certified as Ellis or Red Cross): Day 1: 4/18 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Day 2: 4/19 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm FULL CLASS (for those with no current lifeguard certification): Day 1: 4/26 - 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Day 2: 5/1 - 4:00 - 9:00 pm Day 3: 5/2 - 12:00 - 5:00 pm Day 4: 5/3 - 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Employment benefit information available HERE .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees