Lifeguard

Description

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 Executive Program Director/Aquatics and Gymnastics, Aquatic Program Directors and Aquatic Coordinators, the Lifeguard is responsible for the direct supervision, control and safety of members and participants during aquatic programming, recreational and lap swimming. In addition, the Lifeguard has a responsibility to implement the YMCA Mission,  defined as a “code of conduct” or a basis for action, and to promote the YMCA’s Core Values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area; refrains from distractions while guarding.
• Reports in uniform (swimsuit, guard shirt, towel, whistle, rescue tube and barrier) to station when scheduled shift begins.
• Sits at various sites, including in an elevated chair for extended periods; moves to various locations, including in and around an elevated chair
• Communicates verbally, including projecting the voice across distances and communicate swiftly and effectively with emergency personnel over the telephone and in person
• Observes all assigned sections of the water environment; may operate alone as a lifeguard without other lifeguards for support
• 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 direct supervision and maintains high safety standards during recreational, fitness classes, swimming lessons, swim team and any other programs scheduled in the pools.
• 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.
• Assist with cleanliness of the pool and pool area by performing maintenance and cleaning duties.
• Other duties as assigned or required by business necessity.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must hold a current YMCA of the USA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification
• Must hold a current Basic Life Support and First Aid certification and Oxygen Administration
• Employees over the age of 18 must pass a criminal background check

Expected Certifications and Training– within 90 days:

• YMCA Lifeguard v6 Certification (Includes ASHI BLS, First Aid, O2 Admin)
• YMCA Lifeguard v6 Instructor Certification – (Includes ASHI Basic Instructor Certification)
•  Aquatic Department Orientation – within first week of employment
• Community Health and Safety program orientation
• New hire orientation and training modules as required as a condition of employment

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:

• Perform a Lifeguard Skills test during the interview process; includes endurance, a timed event, and demonstration of CPR and lifeguard rescue skills.
• 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.

Salary : $11 - $12