Job Description

The Summer Lead Lifeguard is a seasonal position that serves as a senior member of the aquatics team, providing leadership, supervision, and mentorship to lifeguards while ensuring the highest level of safety, professionalism, and operational excellence in the aquatic's facility. This role is responsible for overseeing daily lifeguard operations, enforcing safety protocols, assisting with training, and supporting the aquatic leadership team in maintaining a safe and engaging aquatic environment for members and guests.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support lifeguard staff, ensuring proper coverage, adherence to safety protocols, and professional conduct
• Act as the on-deck lead, assisting with incident response, emergency situations, and enforcing facility policies
• Monitor pool operations, ensuring compliance with YMCA and local health and safety standards
• Assist with in-service training sessions, skill evaluations, and ongoing development for lifeguards
• Perform advanced water rescues and provide leadership in emergency response situations as needed
• Conduct daily safety checks of the pool, equipment, and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment
• Communicate effectively with members, guests, and staff, handling concerns and ensuring a positive experience
• Support the Aquatics Director in scheduling, record-keeping, and operational duties as assigned
• Mentor and assist in onboarding new lifeguards, fostering a strong and cohesive team
• Uphold and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Summer seasonal positions typically work from May through September
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
• All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members

Candidates must tolerate background noise, meet a 25-decibel hearing threshold, and use hearing aids without interruption. They must remain alert, meet strength requirements, observe assigned areas, and use corrective eyewear without disruption.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• Minimum 3 years lifeguarding experience and demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of water safety practices, emergency response, and lifeguard training techniques
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of lifeguards in a professional and effective manner
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to enforce policies while maintaining positive relationships
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations
• Familiarity with pool operations, risk management, and aquatic facility maintenance
• Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Passion for aquatic safety, leadership, and team development

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Catawba Valley.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a lead lifeguard role
• Supervisory experience.

Must complete the following trainings before working first shift and are to be renewed annually:

• Blood Borne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention
• Must successfully complete Adult Learning Concepts, Orientation to the YMCA training System, and Facilitation Skills for Trainers
• Must obtain YMCA Lifeguard Instructor within 9 months of employment
• Must obtain YMCA P.O.O.L. certification within 6 months of employment
• Must complete I Create Loyalty Training within 30 days of hire
• Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contribution

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Posted Salary Range

USD $12.00 - USD $14.00 /Hr.