Lifeguard; Northwest

Overview

As a Lifeguard, you play a key role in making sure everyone feels safe and confident in the water. Your focus and quick response help create a secure environment where members can learn, improve, and enjoy their time in the pool. By staying alert and following safety protocols, you help minimize risks and ensure a positive experience for all. Your role isn't just about watching the water—it's about building a community where everyone can thrive.

We’re hiring Lifeguards at multiple locations. We’re looking for candidates with all availability who can work 15-28 hours per week
. This is a meaningful opportunity to build skills, make a positive impact, and be part of a great team—plus, you’ll receive a free YMCA membership!

• Proactively monitor pool areas and enforce safety rules to prevent accidents, creating a secure space where members can enjoy the water with confidence.
• React to emergencies with appropriate first aid and CPR, aiming for positive outcomes and ensuring that every member feels safe and supported.
• Identify and resolve potential hazards immediately, preventing accidents and fostering a worry‑free environment for all users.
• Regularly inspect pool equipment and facilities, reporting any issues to ensure everything is in working order and to support a seamless experience for all members.
• Inform members about pool rules and safety procedures, encouraging compliance and helping them feel secure while engaging in water‑based activities.
• Help with swim lessons and aquatics programs, contributing to members' skill development and positive program outcomes.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the pool area and locker rooms, ensuring a pleasant, hygienic space for members.
• Attend all required trainings and staff meetings to stay up-to-date with safety procedures and best practices, improving skills and impact.
• Demonstrate YMCA values in all interactions, helping to create a culture of respect, care, and community.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, sharing the Y's work and culture with members, peers, and guests, and fostering belonging.
• Assist with any other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success and positive atmosphere of the YMCA.

• Must be at a minimum of 16 years old.
• Hold a valid lifeguard certification from either the YMCA or the Red Cross, including certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen administration.
• Excellent swimming skills, ability to perform rescue techniques, and endurance maintenance.
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and composed in high‑pressure situations.
• You have a growth mindset—quickly learn from failure and value feedback to continuously improve.
• You are a team player with a positive, service‑oriented attitude and can work well with others.
• You communicate effectively—listen for understanding and meaning, and speak and write clearly.
• You are customer‑focused—build good customer relationships and deliver customer‑centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging—leverage people’s differences as strengths.

The role requires comfort working in a pool environment, with exposure to water, chlorine, and varying temperatures. Lifeguards must be able to stand, walk, swim, and remain alert for extended periods. The position involves hearing and distinguishing distress signals, visually scanning all areas of the pool, and responding quickly to emergencies. It also requires lifting and moving equipment and assisting with children, as well as performing other physical tasks related to pool supervision and instruction.

Effective verbal communication, including projecting your voice across distances in both normal and noisy conditions, is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.