Aquatic Safety - Lifeguard

West Shore YMCA, 1575 Columbia Rd, Westlake, Ohio, United States of America

Posted Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00 AM

At the Y, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Join our Greater Cleveland YMCA team in living our cause and helping to provide quality, safe and healthy programs and services in our community.

The Lifeguard position creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining a safe swimming environment in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

• Actively maintains current CPR, First Aid, other required YMCA certifications, held by a recognized certifying organization (Red Cross, ASHI, Y of the USA, Etc.).
• Reports to work on time and with appropriate safety equipment (fanny pack) and appropriate clothing.
• Ensure safety of all participants in the aquatics area at all times of operation.
• Adhere to Blood borne Pathogen standards and completes annual training.
• Notify supervisor of any faulty equipment or unsafe conditions in a timely manner.
• Document any incidents that occur during shift (on daily basis) and notifies supervisor.
• Be visibly involved with members, volunteers and staff in a positive, friendly manner, while maintaining the safety of the aquatic's environment.
• Tests and documents the water are required by city, county, state and federal health requirements.
• Keeps the pool area free of clutter and accessible at all times, so it does not hinder the lifeguard (s) ability to respond in an emergency.
• Follow all established policies and procedures, including but not limited to, safety practices and personnel policies.
• Participate in and support association events and fund-raising activities.
• Secures required trainings and/or certifications necessary for the position.
• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
• Attends monthly in-service training and provides work availability to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Monitor chlorine, PH levels/ and track water temperature hourly.
• Conducts regular/ frequent sanitation of all equipment (rescue and member used), and assigned areas as outlined by the employer and supervisor.
• Must report to work on time, with appropriate supplies and in uniform for all scheduled shifts.
• Responsible for following the child abuse and neglect reporting process including completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696-Kids) and notifying your immediate Supervisor, Branch Executive, Risk Management and Human Resources Department (s). All employees of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland are mandated reporters for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect.

Experience:

• Prior experience helpful, but not required

Certification(s) and Requirements:

• CPR and First Aid certification and Safety training required within 30 days of hire.
• Hold current YMCA Lifeguard certification (or hold a valid Red Cross Lifeguard certification and attend YMCA Crossover within ninety (90) days of employment).
• Must be at least 16 years of age

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to read, write and understand written directions.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission, cause of the YMCA, and uphold its values and ethics.
• Ability to work effectively work with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions
• Willingness and ability to be a mandated reporter for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect. All employees are required to follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process: completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696-Kids) and notifying your immediate supervisor,branch executive, risk management and human resources department (s).

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to perform frequent amounts of sitting, standing, swimming, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, bending and or instructing others for the duration of their shift.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Physical ability to rescue an individual from water .

• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.
• Work environment may be slippery and wet often
• May be required to work outside and on occasion may encounter inclement weather.

About YMCA of Greater Cleveland:
Our vision is to be the premier community-based, charitable organization that embraces collaborations to build strong kids, strong families and…