Lifeguard

Be the reason someone feels safe in the water. As a YMCA Lifeguard, you’ll protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and create a positive, welcoming space for members and visitors. Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and lifeguard certification
!

Become a Lifeguard AND Swim Lesson Instructor, earn $15/hr let us know in your application/interview if you are interested in both positions.

No Prior Experience Required.

• Free training and lifeguard certification
• Ongoing training and recertification
• Free YMCA membership to all YMCA centers
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities for career advancement

• Model the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect, and Responsibility; implement character development and YMCA core values in all programs and center operations.
• Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds), whirlpool and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions.
• Maintain high level of alertness at all times.
• Staff may be videotaped for safety audit purposes and ongoing training.
• Complete 2 hours of in‑service training a month.
• Adapt to environmental changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
• Participate in ongoing training during operational hours (e.g., mannequin drops, pool safety checks, CPR checks).
• Enforce all posted rules and any other rules that are required to ensure the safety of all participants.
• Constantly watch the pool and keep rescue equipment (tub, whistle, emergency button, supplemental oxygen barrier mask) ready; actively scan 10 x 10. Lifeguard must not perform secondary duties while scanning their zone of protection.
• Keep the pool deck free of clutter and perform all maintenance duties assigned by the Aquatic Director.
• Test pool chemical levels and report changes to the Aquatics Director immediately.
• Fill out all Y accident and incident reports completely and submit to the Aquatics Director.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
• Maintain the continuity of lap swim and manage participants accordingly.
• Be a team player with all staff.
• Notify appropriate staff of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard or Shallow Water certification. Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and certification!
• Perform pass and rescue skills.
• Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of:
  • 300‑yard swim continuous, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; hands placed under the armpits.
  • Timed event: must be completed in 1 minute 40 seconds; starting in the water, swim 20 yards; surface dive feet‑first or head‑first to retrieve a 10‑pound object; return to surface and swim 20 yards on the back holding the object with both hands while keeping face near the surface.

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. We are cause‑driven, welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined, always showing up with purpose and creating a place where everyone can belong and become.

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