Lifeguard (CERTIFIED)

WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

POSITION: Lifeguard

REPORTS TO: Lifeguard and Safety Coordinator

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt 

REVISION DATE: 1/12/2021 

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Lifeguard and Safety Coordinator, the lifeguard is responsible for providing and maintaining a safe pool environment for all members and participants. This requires both proactive actions that will prevent accidents as well as appropriate reactive actions should an incident take place. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of YMCA Lifeguarding or American Red Cross Lifeguarding is required. 

• American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid required.

• Current certifications must be maintained and are the responsibility of the staff member. Re-certifications will be offered periodically. 

• Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date

• At least 16 years of age

TRAINING: 

Upon hire, lifeguards will receive a full orientation to the Wallingford YMCA Aquatics Facility. This shall include a full briefing on the Wallingford Family YMCA Emergency Action Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen policy, crisis policy, a tour of the facility to identify safety and first aid equipment and an orientation on water testing procedures. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Lifeguard’s responsibilities are outlined in this job description and the Wallingford Family YMCA Aquatics Department Handbook. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.

2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures; completes related reports as required.

3. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

4. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.

5. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.

6. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.

7. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.

8. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and reports findings to their supervisor.

9. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.

1.  Complete a monthly 300 yard swim.

2.  Attend & participate in required meetings and training sessions.

3.  Responsible for keeping all required certifications current. Be able to  demonstrate all certification skills at any time. 

1.  Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding incidents, equipment malfunctions, etc.

1.  Respond to department updates appropriately and within the designated time  frame.

1.  Completing various cleaning duties including, but not limited to, vacuuming,  disinfecting, rinsing the pool deck, etc.

1.  Additional training must be completed as required by the YMCA, State and/or  Federal Government

1.  All other duties as assigned by the Aquatics Director and other supervisors.

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.

• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.

• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.

• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

SAFETY: 

Safety is the responsibility of every employee of the YMCA. Each employee is charged with adhering to the YMCA’s Safety and Risk Management program as directed by management. 

The Wallingford Family YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All new hires go through a 90 day introductory period, during which time an employee can be terminated if they are not adapting to the department policies. The introductory period begins with the employee’s department orientation.