Lifeguard Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• Current YMCA Lifeguarding certification, or ability to pass a Lifeguard Training Certification Course during the first week of training. A provisional hire may be registered in a YMCA Lifeguard V7 course within 30 days of hire after completing an interview and passing the pre-employment skills assessment; lifeguarding shifts may begin only after certifications are approved in SafetyZone.
• Current American Safety & Health Institute, American Red Cross, or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer certification.
• Current Standard/Community First Aid certification.
• Current Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.
• Certified American Red Cross Lifeguards must obtain YMCA Lifeguarding Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to maintain required certifications and demonstrate lifeguarding skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Ability to tread water for two 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 chest; and perform the specified surface dives, underwater swim, object retrieval, water treading, pool exit, and two minutes of adult CPR.
• Ability to sit for extended periods in an elevated chair and remain alert and focused while scanning the assigned zone, including in high heat and humidity.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to scan aquatic areas, identify hazards and distress signals, and respond to environmental conditions and emergencies despite background noise.
• Ability to perform strenuous water-rescue tasks and rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills, and to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Ability to communicate verbally, project a voice across distances, give and receive directions, and communicate clearly with emergency personnel by telephone or in person.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups of campers of different ages and skill levels; observe behavior, enforce safety rules, and apply behavior-management techniques.
• Physical ability to respond to first-aid situations and assist campers during emergencies, with the strength and endurance needed for constant camper supervision.
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate equipment; normal-range hearing and eyesight for job tasks; and ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors with daily exposure to sun and heat, at approximately 7,000 feet, and in varying weather including heat, cold, sun, rain, wind, and snow.
• Ability to safely operate tools and equipment as trained and in accordance with YMCA, ACA, and manufacturer guidelines, and perform duties such as snow removal, facility upkeep, material handling, and emergency response.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of lifeguard experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous, uninterrupted scanning and supervision of assigned aquatic areas, enforce water-safety rules, inspect equipment, and respond to aquatic emergencies.
• Maintain positive relationships with campers, members, participants, and fellow staff.
• Review and follow emergency procedures; complete required reports and records; identify and report hazards; and participate in aquatic safety assessments and ongoing safety improvements.
• Develop and deliver age- and ability-appropriate camp activities; prepare activity areas, orient participants, teach safe equipment use, and evaluate activities with campers.
• Continuously monitor campers, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions; mitigate or report hazards and enforce safety procedures.
• Use standard radio procedures and communicate clearly during routine operations and critical incidents.
• Inspect, clean, secure, organize, maintain, and properly store camp facilities, activity areas, supplies, and equipment.
• Complete required YMCA and ACA training, certifications, skills assessments, and documentation; report incidents, hazards, policy violations, and operational concerns promptly.
• Support dining hall dishwashing operations by washing, sanitizing, storing, and restocking dishes and equipment and maintaining a sanitary dish room.
• Complete assigned housekeeping tasks and inspections, maintain safe facilities, and secure and replenish cleaning supplies and equipment.
• Assist with facility, grounds, and infrastructure upkeep, general repairs, supply replacement, camp improvement projects, and other camp operations as assigned.
• Supervise a cabin group of 8–10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training, including 24-hour supervision and sleeping in the cabin during designated residential weeks.
• Build a supportive cabin community using positive discipline; provide individual support; escort campers to activities and meals; participate in programs; and manage cabin routines.
• Maintain personal readiness through adequate food, hydration, and sleep; follow camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.
• If assigned to driving duties, follow YMCA transportation policies and conduct pre-driving vehicle safety checks.
• If living in employee housing, maintain the housing area, follow housing policies, obtain approval for visitors or out-of-routine activities, and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Accurately record and self-approve all worked hours in Paycom; attend required staff meetings and trainings; uphold safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk-management policies.
• If returning staff, model effective camper engagement and camp operations for first-year staff and volunteers and help peers follow camp routines, emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA values.
• If assigned specialized activities, complete applicable training and certifications and follow activity-specific safety procedures for ropes courses, aquatics, animal care, archery, or mountain biking.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.