Summer Lead Lifeguard: Keith YMCA

The Summer Lead Lifeguard is a seasonal position that serves as a senior member of the aquatic team, providing leadership, supervision, and mentorship to lifeguards while ensuring the highest level of safety,
professionalism, and operational excellence in the aquatic facility. This role is responsible for overseeing daily lifeguard operations, enforcing safety protocols, assisting with training, and supporting the aquatic leadership team in maintaining a safe and engaging aquatic environment for members and guests.

Culture Statement:

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and support lifeguard staff, ensuring proper coverage, adherence to safety protocols, and professional conduct.
• Act as the on-deck lead, assisting with incident response, emergency situations, and enforcing facility policies.
• Monitor pool operations, ensuring compliance with YMCA and local health and safety standards.
• Assist with in-service training sessions, skill evaluations, and ongoing development for lifeguards.
• Perform advanced water rescues and provide leadership in emergency response situations as needed.
• Conduct daily safety checks of the pool, equipment, and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment.
• Communicate effectively with members, guests, and staff, handling concerns and ensuring a positive experience.
• Support the Aquatics Director in scheduling, record-keeping, and operational duties as assigned.
• Mentor and assist in onboarding new lifeguards, fostering a strong and cohesive team.
• Uphold and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Summer seasonal positions typically work from May through September. 

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Minimum 3 years lifeguarding experience and demonstrated leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of water safety practices, emergency response, and lifeguard training techniques.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of lifeguards in a professional and effective manner.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to enforce policies while maintaining positive relationships.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations.
• Familiarity with pool operations, risk management, and aquatic facility maintenance.
• Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Passion for aquatic safety, leadership, and team development.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a lead lifeguard role
• Supervisory experience. 

Working Conditions:

• Work in both indoor and outdoor pool environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Physically active role requiring standing, swimming, scanning, and responding to emergencies for extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to chlorinated water, pool chemicals, and loud environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform water rescues as needed.
• Requires constant attentiveness and quick reaction times to ensure swimmer and staff safety.
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on pool programming needs.

Competencies:

1 INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
2 CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
3 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
4 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.