Job Description

Why Your Role Matters 

As a Summer Lifeguard, your role is essential in ensuring every member feels confident, safe, and supported while enjoying water activities throughout the summer. You help create a positive and secure environment where individuals can focus on building their skills and enjoying their time in the pool. By maintaining a vigilant focus on safety and responding promptly to potential risks, you help minimize stress and maximize enjoyment for all. Your proactive engagement and commitment to safety protocols directly enhance the overall experience, fostering confidence in the water and supporting a healthy, welcoming YMCA community.

This is a seasonal position running from May to September, with the possibility of continuing into the fall.

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.

• Experience as part of a swim team, swim instructor, or lifeguard is preferred.

• Excellent swimming skills, ability to perform rescue techniques, and endurance maintenance

• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

• 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.