Summer Lifeguard: Keith YMCA

The Summer Lifeguard is a seasonal position responsible for ensuring the safety of all swimmers and guests in the aquatic facility by preventing accidents, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. This role requires vigilance, strong communication skills, and the ability to act quickly in emergency situations. The Lifeguard plays a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable aquatic environment for YMCA members and the community.

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:

• Monitor pool areas at all times to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
• Enforce facility rules and policies while maintaining a professional and welcoming attitude.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively.
• Assist swimmers in distress and provide appropriate aid when necessary.
• Conduct routine safety checks of pool, equipment, and surrounding areas.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, rescues, and pool maintenance needs.
• Engage positively with members, guests, and staff, providing excellent customer service.
• Assist with pool cleanliness and chemical balance checks as directed.
• Support YMCA aquatic programs and events as needed.
• Uphold the YMCA’s mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Summer seasonal positions typically run from May through September.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application.
• Strong swimming ability and endurance to perform rescues and maintain pool safety.
• Ability to stay alert and focused for extended periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills to interact with patrons and enforce rules.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods.
• Understanding of water safety principles and lifeguard best practices.
• Ability to remain calm and take decisive action in emergency situations.
• Dependable and punctual, with a commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for safety, aquatics, and community engagement.
• Ability to pass Lifeguard Certification class within 30 days of hire (provided by the YMCA)
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 lifeguarding experience.
• Current lifeguarding certifications.
• Current professional level First Aid and CPR certifications. 

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, sitting, swimming, and scanning the pool area for
extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to chlorinated water and pool chemicals.
• Loud environment with high guest interaction and background noise.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical rescues if necessary.
• Requires constant attentiveness and quick reaction times to ensure swimmer safety.
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on pool
programming.

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 FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role