Job Description

Why Your Role Matters

Join the YMCA team as a Lifeguard and help create a safe, welcoming space where kids, families, and members can build confidence in the water. You’ll gain leadership experience, build real-life skills, meet new people, and be part of a supportive team — all while making a difference in your community and getting paid.

We’re looking for candidates who can work 15–40 hours per week throughout the summer season. Flexible availability during program hours and reliable attendance are required, with full availability strongly preferred. This seasonal position runs from May to September Plus, enjoy a free YMCA Gym membership!

YMCA Locations:

• North Austin YMCA – 1000 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
• East Communities YMCA – 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
• Southwest YMCA – 6219 Oakclaire Dr, Austin, TX 78735

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.
• Assist with any other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success and positive atmosphere of the YMCA.

What You Bring to the Y 

• Must be at a minimum of 16 years old. 
• Hold a valid lifeguard certification from either the YMCA or the Red Cross, including certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen administration.
• Excellent swimming skills, ability to perform rescue techniques and endurance maintenance.
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• You have a growth mindset - You quickly learn from failure and value feedback in an effort to continuously improve.
• You are a team player--You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and can work well with others. 
• You communicate effectively - You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively. 
• You are customer-focused -- You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging - You leverage people's differences as strengths. 

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.