Lifeguard

Job Summary

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. No prior certification required; we provide free training and lifeguard certification.

Become a Lifeguard AND Swim Lesson Instructor, earn $15/hr let us know during your application if you are interested in both positions.

• 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 are brought to life by our culture. We are cause‑driven, welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

• Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
• Know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergencies immediately per YMCA policies, completing related reports as required.
• Prevent and handle emergencies in entry‑level shallow water of six feet or less.
• Maintain effective positive relationships with members, participants, and staff.
• Apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area consistently.
• Remain calm and objective when under pressure or challenged.
• Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or state health department code.
• Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
• Check the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival.
• Perform chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and take appropriate action.
• Attend all staff meetings and in‑service training.
• Maintain appropriate child‑adult ratios and group sizes.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.
• Execute opening and closing procedures and secure doors.
• Report to duty 10 minutes before shift and secure a substitute if necessary with proper notification.
• 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. No certification yet? We provide free training and 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 front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but may not swim on the back or side. Swim goggles may be used.
• Tread water: 2 minutes using only legs. Candidates should place hands under armpits.
• Timed event (Lifeguard):
• Completed in 1 minute 40 seconds.
• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Face may be in or out; goggles not allowed.
• Surface dive feet‑first or head‑first to depth 7‑10 feet to retrieve a 10‑pound object.
• Return to surface and swim 20 yards on back, holding object, keeping face near surface.
• Exit water without ladder or steps.
• Timed event (Shallow Water Lifeguard):
• Completed in 50 seconds.
• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke. Face may be in or out; goggles not allowed.
• Submerge to depth 4‑5 feet to retrieve 10‑pound object.
• Return to surface and walk or swim 20 yards on back while holding object at surface.
• Exit water without ladder or steps.

• Internship

• Part‑time

• Other
• Industries:
  Non‑profit Organization Management

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