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.

Free training and lifeguard certification. 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

We are cause‑driven. We are welcoming. We are genuine. We are hopeful. We are nurturing. We are determined.

• Candidates who are not certified may be hired at a $15.00 training rate then increased after becoming certified.
• Model the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility; implement character development and the YMCA core values in all programs and all aspects of center operations.
• Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds), whirlpool and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions.
• Maintain a 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.
• Position may require environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
• Participate in ongoing training held during operational hours (operational 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 have a rescue tube, whistle, emergency button, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available at all times; actively scan 10 x 10. Lifeguard is not to do secondary duties in place of scanning their zone of protection.
• Ensure the pool deck is free of clutter and perform all maintenance duties assigned by Aquatic Director.
• Test pool chemical levels and report changes to Aquatics Director immediately.
• Fill out all Y accident and incident reports completely and submit to Aquatics Director.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining the continuity of lap swim and moving 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 the following:
  • 300‑yard swim: continuous swim demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
  • Tread water: 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
  • Timed event:
    • Must be completed in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
    • Surface dive, feet‑first or head‑first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10‑pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

• Internship

• Part‑time

• Other

• Non‑profit Organization Management