Job Description

Why Your Role Matters

You help make the pool a place where everyone feels safe, welcome, and confident. In this role, your impact goes beyond watching the water. You help members and participants build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy positive experiences in and around the pool. By creating a supportive environment and promoting safe aquatic practices, you help You help make the pool a place where everyone feels safe, welcome, and confident. In this role, safety is your top priority. Through your attentiveness, sound judgment, and quick response, you help prevent incidents, respond effectively in emergencies, and create an environment where members and participants can enjoy aquatic activities with confidence. Beyond ensuring safety, you help people of all ages build skills, gain confidence in the water, and feel connected to the Y community.

How You Make an Impact

• 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, 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, which supports a seamless and enjoyable 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, playing an active role in members' skill development and contributing to positive program outcomes.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the pool area and locker rooms, ensuring a pleasant, hygienic space where members can relax and enjoy their time.

• Attend all required trainings and staff meetings to stay up-to-date with safety procedures and best practices, improving your skills and enhancing your impact.

• Demonstrate YMCA's purpose and 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 a sense of belonging.

• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a current YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration.

• Previous experience as a lifeguard, swim instructor, competitive swimmer, or swim team participant preferred.

• Strong swimming ability, rescue skills, and physical stamina.

• Ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, and respond effectively in emergency situations.

• Ability to recognize hazards, enforce pool rules, and maintain a safe aquatic environment.

• Growth Mindset: Learn and improveto better serve members and the mission.

• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.

• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.

• Customer Focused:Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.

• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.

Physical Requirements:

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. Additionally, it requires lifting and moving equipment, children, and 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.

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future -- for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

Our mission isn't just a statement--it's a guiding force that shapes our actions every day. Rooted in our unwavering commitment to serving our community and esteemed team members, our mission is a true way of life. We're passionate about fostering health and wellness for all, and we're truly excited to introduce the following comprehensive benefits package that has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize your well-being.

• Health Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, to ensure the well-being of our employees.
• Retirement Savings Plan: We offer a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon meeting eligibility, empowering employees to plan for their future.
• Paid Time Off: Work-life integration is important to us, which is why we provide up to 48 days of paid time off over vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Additional Perks: Free household membership to facilities operated by the Greater Austin YMCA, which is worth $1,200+ annually.

Pay Range

$16 - $17 per hour, DOE