Lifeguard Instructor

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director the Lifeguard Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid training to staff members and community members. You will play a crucial role in empowering participants with lifesaving skills and ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations. You will work closely with the YMCA to ensure that our training goals are met.

At the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, we are united in a sincere desire to live out our great Mission. To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Together, we pledge to do this daily, in our actions and interactions, with staff, members and guests of the YMCA, by serving, caring, and loving. To serve is to meet physical needs through our facility, programs, and responsive actions to questions or requests. To care is to meet emotional needs by engaging in genuine conversation, listening with intention, and developing relationships. To love is to provide opportunities for connection and service by keeping the Y a safe and welcoming place for all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct Lifeguarding with CPR, First Aid & AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid courses for staff members and the community, ensuring that that all sessions are informative, engaging and aligned with American Red Cross standards and the standards of the YMCA.
• Directs program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Establishes the program activities and expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Utilizes a variety of instructional techniques to promote active learning and retention, adapting methods to meet the audience.
• Evaluate participants' understanding and performance through practical assessments and written evaluations, providing constructive feedback to support learning.
• Accurately complete and submit all required course documentation, including attendance records, course evaluations, and participant certifications within 24 hours of course completion.
• Ensure training equipment is properly maintained, clean, and set up prior to each session, and report any issues or needs for replacement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and AED techniques and participate in ongoing professional development to remain a certified instructor.
• Partner with the Aquatics Director to Assist with creating and implementing monthly Lifeguard in-service training calendar for the season and prepare items as necessary; materials, staff agenda, meeting minutes, etc.
• Interact with all members and staff in a professional, courteous and friendly manner.
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Advocate for safety awareness and preparedness within the community, encouraging participants to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
• Models' relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner in person, over the phone or via email.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with
• a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships
• to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors' communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
• Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
• Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess a current American Red Cross Instructor Certification in Lifeguarding and CPR, First Aid & AED for Professional Rescuers or be willing to obtain one prior to starting.
• Typical requirements within 30 days of hire include: completion of: Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; Working with Program Volunteers; Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Completion of YMCA program-specific and trainer certifications.
• Prior teaching or training experience is preferred.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in an outgoing, friendly, assertive, professional and mature manner.
• Highly organized and excellent time management abilities with a strong attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with program participants, members, directors and staff.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, night and weekends as needed to accommodate training schedules.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment can be noisy, with sounds of pool activity and swimmers.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, such as chlorine, is common.
• Temperatures are controlled indoors but may be humid due to the nature of the pool environment.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• Ability to lift and carry (up to 100lbs) in emergencies, as well as lifting and moving rescue equipment and first aid supplies.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position; ability to position self to perform demonstrations of physical techniques.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time while monitoring the pool area or other water zones.
• Capable of swimming long distances, including fast swims in rescue situations. Ability to perform water rescues and assist individuals in distress.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach in various positions to assist swimmers, provide first aid, or perform rescues.
• Ability to climb ladders, steps, or lifeguard towers to maintain a clear view of the water.
• Strong visual acuity to spot distressed swimmers from a distance.
• Must have good hearing to respond quickly to whistles, shouts for help, or emergency situations.
• Must have the stamina to remain alert during extended shifts.