Job Description

Level: Experienced
Job Location: Devos Blum Family YMCA - Boynton Beach, FL 33436
Position Type: Part TimePOSITION SUMMARY
The Weekend Head Lifeguard is responsible for safeguarding patrons at the Aquatic Center by preventing injury, accidents, or loss of life during any aquatic emergency. The Weekend Head Lifeguard also provides leadership and supervision to the lifeguard team during weekend operations and is responsible for maintaining a safe, organized, clean, and welcoming aquatic environment.
This position has quality assurance responsibilities, including monitoring lifeguard performance and skills, ensuring staff follow established policies and procedures, and addressing or documenting performance concerns when necessary.
The Weekend Head Lifeguard reports directly to the Aquatics Director and is expected to serve as the primary aquatic leader on duty during assigned weekend shifts.
The Weekend Head Lifeguard has a professional obligation to prevent potentially dangerous situations by consistently enforcing YMCA rules and regulations and responding immediately and effectively to emergencies. The Weekend Head Lifeguard must be able to perform water rescues, CPR/AED, administer oxygen, and provide First Aid to anyone in distress while on duty.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Safety and Lifeguarding Responsibilities
- Enforce pool rules, regulations, and all protocols established in the YMCA Aquatic Policy and Procedure Manual.
- Prevent non-swimmers from entering deep water or other high-risk areas.
- Provide consistent surveillance of the pool area using the YMCA 10:10 scanning rule.
- Communicate effectively and immediately with staff and leadership when responding to emergencies.
- Maintain required lifeguard-to-patron ratios, including the 1:25 guard-to-patron ratio when applicable.
- Remain rescue-ready and prepared to respond to emergencies at all times.
- Perform water rescues, CPR/AED, First Aid, and oxygen administration when necessary.
- Ensure that all required safety and rescue equipment is available and in proper working condition.
Weekend Leadership and Staff Supervision
- Serve as the lead lifeguard and primary aquatic staff member responsible for weekend operations while on duty.
- Manage and supervise lifeguards assigned to the weekend shift.
- Ensure lifeguards are completing their assigned duties and maintaining appropriate levels of surveillance and professionalism.
- Ensure staff follow lifeguard rotations, break schedules, cleaning assignments, and other operational responsibilities.
- Address and document non-compliance, policy violations, performance concerns, or failure to complete assigned responsibilities.
- Communicate policy, procedural, programming, and scheduling changes to aquatic staff as directed by the Aquatics Director.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and support to lifeguards during the shift.
- Immediately communicate significant staff, member, safety, or facility concerns to the Aquatics Director.
- Complete any additional leadership responsibilities assigned by the Aquatics Director related to overseeing the lifeguard team.
Swim Classes and Aquatic Programming
- Be prepared to provide or assist with weekend swim lessons and aquatic classes when needed.
- Serve as a substitute swim instructor when necessary to support program operations and avoid unnecessary class cancellations.
- Follow established YMCA swim lesson curriculum, safety standards, and instructional expectations when teaching classes.
- Provide a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment for swim lesson participants.
- Communicate professionally with participants and parents regarding class expectations and participant progress when appropriate.
- Assist with other weekend aquatic programs, special events, or activities as assigned.
Facility Operations and Maintenance
- Maintain the Aquatic Center, pools, spa, and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA standards and applicable Palm Beach County Health Codes.
- Complete assigned maintenance duties and ensure aquatic staff complete required daily maintenance responsibilities.
- Ensure the pool deck, guard areas, equipment areas, and other aquatic spaces remain clean and organized.
- Report safety, maintenance, chemical, or equipment concerns to the appropriate supervisor immediately.
- Assist with opening and/or closing procedures when assigned.
Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities
- Properly complete all required paperwork and documentation.
- Maintain accurate pool head counts and attendance records.
- Complete daily maintenance logs and other assigned operational forms.
- Complete incident, accident, or staff documentation as necessary.
- Verify that required weekend documentation has been completed before the end of the shift.
- Perform related clerical responsibilities as assigned.
Customer Service and YMCA Expectations
- Provide excellent customer service to members, program participants, guests, and families.
- Become knowledgeable about YMCA programs and services and assist members with general program information.
- Professionally address member questions and concerns and refer matters to the Aquatics Director when additional assistance is required.
- Demonstrate the YMCA character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility at all times.
- Help create a welcoming, safe, respectful, and family-friendly aquatic environment.
- Participate in facility fundraising, special events, and Annual Campaign activities as assigned.
Staff Expectations
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled shift, in proper uniform and prepared to work.
- Wear the required uniform, including appropriate shirt, shorts, rescue tube, whistle, nametag, and breathing mask or other required rescue equipment.
- Be dependable and available for assigned weekend shifts.
- Attend required staff meetings and assist the Aquatics Director and Aquatics leadership with scheduled in-service trainings.
- Participate in required skills evaluations and continuing education.
- Perform the required weekly endurance/distance swim totaling 1,000 yards.
- Perform related work and other duties as assigned by management.

QualificationsEDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification. Staff who hold an accepted equivalent certification must complete the required YMCA crossover within the established timeframe.
- Current CPR-BLS, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications or approved equivalent certifications, with YMCA-required crossover completed within the established timeframe.
- Ability to successfully complete the required pre-hire lifeguard skills test.
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- Ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations and respond quickly and appropriately.
- Ability to think critically, solve problems, make sound decisions, and remain calm during emergencies.
- Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to supervise, coach, and provide direction to lifeguard staff.
- Ability and willingness to provide weekend swim lessons or aquatic classes when needed.
- Previous swim instructor experience or swim instructor certification preferred.
- Two years of YMCA lifeguard experience preferred.
YMCA COMPETENCIES – LEADER
Mission and Community Oriented
Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perspectives. Demonstrates a desire to serve others, support community needs, and build effective and supportive working relationships.
People Oriented
Seeks to understand others' perspectives and remains calm during challenging situations. Builds positive relationships with members and staff, communicates effectively, listens for understanding, and takes initiative to support the development of others.
Results Oriented
Strives to meet or exceed expectations and provide a high-quality experience for members and program participants. Makes sound judgments, establishes priorities, clarifies tasks, plans work effectively, and actively participates in meetings, trainings, and YMCA initiatives.
Personal Development Oriented
Demonstrates self-awareness and understands how personal actions affect relationships and job performance. Pursues continued development, maintains required skills and certifications, remains open to change, and seeks opportunities to improve.