Lifeguard

Be the reason someone feels safe in the water. As a YMCA Lifeguard, you’ll protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and create a positive, welcoming space for members and visitors.

Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and lifeguard certification
!

No prior experience required.

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures; completes related reports as required.
• Knows how to prevent and handle emergencies in entry‑level shallow water of six feet or less.
• Maintains effective and positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.
• 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 ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Attends all staff meetings and in‑service training.
• Responsible for appropriate child‑adult ratios and group sizes.
• Assists in maintaining cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures and securing doors.
• Reports to duty 10 minutes before shift and secures a substitute if necessary and with proper notification.
• Knows how to prevent and handle emergencies at all water depths of the facility.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.

• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard or Shallow Water certification.
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following.

• 300 Yard Swim (100 Yard Swim for Shallow Water):
  Continuous swim demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
• Tread Water:
  Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
• Timed Event (Lifeguard):
  Must be completed in 1 minute and 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet‑first or head‑first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10‑pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath.
  
  Candidates should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
• Timed Event (Shallow Water Lifeguard):
  Must be completed in 50 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using the front crawl or breaststroke. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed. Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10‑pound object. Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
  
  Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

• Free training and lifeguard certification
• Ongoing training and recertification
• Free YMCA membership to all YMCA centers
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities for career advancement

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values guide our culture. We are cause‑driven, welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined – working relentlessly to strengthen our community.

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