Lifeguard Jobs

About The Position

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 candidate may be hired before obtaining the required certifications if they will register for a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, have participated in an interview, and passed 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.
• Ability to maintain required certifications and demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Ability to perform the physical, visual, and auditory functions essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to perform specified swimming and rescue skills, including treading water, swimming prescribed strokes and distances, surface-diving, retrieving and replacing a dive ring, exiting the pool, and performing CPR on an adult manikin.
• Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and remain alert and focused for extended periods, including under high heat and humidity.
• Ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals amid significant background noise in indoor and outdoor aquatic environments.
• Ability to continuously scan pool areas with clear vision and perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for water rescue.
• Ability to act swiftly during emergencies, including when uncertain whether someone is in danger.
• For lifeguards under age 18: must always 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 immediately to emergencies 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 ways 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 and pass 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 fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform required swimming, diving, water-rescue, CPR, and survival skills, including the skills specified in the posting.
• Remain alert and focused on the full zone of responsibility for extended periods, including in high heat and humidity.
• Move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.
• Communicate promptly and clearly during incidents and emergencies, including projecting one's voice and giving and receiving directions.