Aquatics Lifeguard Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the guidance of the Senior Program Director-Aquatics, the Aquatic Lifeguard Coordinator is responsible for the direct supervision of Lifeguards, control and safety of members and participants during swim lessons, recreational and lap swimming.

EDUCATION AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must hold a current YMCA of the USA or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification; American Red Cross or YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Certification is preferred
• Minimum of 2 years as head lifeguard, aquatic supervisor or aquatic coordinator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides direct supervision and scheduling of Lifeguards and maintains high safety standards in the observance of lifeguards and YASAs who are monitoring a Countryside YMCA aquatic facility.
• Ensures guards and YASAs are complying with their job requirements and providing excellent customer service to members.
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the safe-in-six model. Completes related reports as required.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving; has awareness of the danger areas and potential hazards for each Zone.
• Provides breaks to guards as required by labor standards; is available to fill in during gaps in scheduling or to cover programming as needed.
• Follows specific procedures relating to opening and closing; locks all doors and gates to secure aquatic facilities when a lifeguard is not on duty.
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the assigned pool and aquatic area. Rules are explained and enforced in a courteous, professional, and firm manner.
• Engages in positive member interactions when possible; communicate clearly and respectfully to members and program participants.
• Works as a team player to maintain positive relationships with co-workers.
• Monitors proper chemical levels and mechanical equipment and takes appropriate action; notifies maintenance personnel of issues needing attention through the maintenance tracking system.
• Assist with cleanliness of the pool and pool area by performing maintenance and cleaning duties.
• Other duties as assigned or required by business necessity.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• High levels of responsibility and maturity
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Basic knowledge of pool chemistry and maintenance is preferred
• Willingness to enforce all Aquatic and YMCA policies and procedure
• Must act professionally at all times and provide positive customer service
• Reliable and punctual attendance
• Must complete all required certifications and trainings and renewals as dictated by policy
• Must attend department and coordinator meetings as scheduled

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The employee is frequently required to sit, kneel, stand, stoop, reach and manipulate hands to handle, feel or operate life saving equipment.
• The position requires mobility attentiveness to visual and audible cues for recognition and identification of swimmers in distress or in process of unsafe behaviors. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision , use of both eyes, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades; depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.
• The position requires proficient swimming ability and the proper application of rescue and first aid techniques.
• Must have the ability to lift various materials up to 25 lbs occasionally and the ability to properly extract individuals from the pool(s) to the deck as needed in rescues.
• The employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and possibly interpret people and situations; analyze and solve problems.
• May interact with members and participants who are distressed or dissatisfied.
• Exposure to pools, wet and very humid conditions, and chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment can vary from quiet to loud depending upon the programming that is occurring at the time.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.