Lifeguard

Overview

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!

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

• Models the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility; implements character development and the YMCA core values in all programs and center operations.
• Continuously scan the pool, whirlpool and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions.
• Maintain a high level of alertness at all times.
• Staff may be videotaped for safety audits and ongoing training.
• Complete 2 hours of in-service training per month.
• Position may require environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
• Participate in ongoing training during operational hours (operational mannequin drops, pool safety checks, CPR checks).
• Enforce all posted rules and any other rules required to ensure safety of participants.
• Constantly watch the pool and have a rescue tube, whistle, emergency button, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available at all times; actively scanning 10 x 10. Lifeguard is not to perform secondary duties in place of scanning their zone of protection.
• Keep the pool deck free of clutter and perform maintenance duties assigned by the Aquatic Director.
• Test pool chemical levels and report changes to the Aquatics Director immediately.
• Fill out all YMCA accident and incident reports completely and submit to the Aquatics Director.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining the continuity of lap swim and moving participants accordingly.
• Must be a team player with all staff.
• Notify appropriate staff of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents or injuries immediately.

• Continuous swim demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both; swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard or Shallow Water certification. Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and certification!
• Perform pass and rescue skills.
• Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of: 300 Yard Swim;
  Tread Water for 2 minutes;
  Timed Event with the following requirements: swim 20 yards (face in or out), not allowed to swim with goggles; surface dive to 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object; return to surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with the object; exit the water without a ladder or steps.