Lifeguard

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.

General Function:

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director or designated supervisor, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninuslas, the Lifeguard is responsible for the safety of all patrons in the pool area.
 

Qualifications:

1. Minimum of 15 years of age (with Red Cross certification; 16 for YMCA).
2. YMCA lifeguard certification within 6 months of hire.
3. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2.
4. Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter.
5. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
  

Essential Functions: 

1. Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.
2. Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
3. Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
4. Maintain vigilance without lapses in concentration.
5. Must be able to recognize visual and verbal distress signs/actions from potential drowning victim within 10 seconds.
6. Must be able to respond to victim in water within 10 seconds.  Must be able to respond to an emergency situation including but not limited to: water emergency, respiratory or cardiac emergency, minor/major first aid and Code Adam/missing person.
7. Wear proper attire:
   a. Bathing suit (must be one piece)
   b. Guard shirt
   c. Whistle/Lanyard
   d. Rescue tube and CPR mask
   e. Water shoes, sandals or flip flops (no street shoes)
   f. No pants
8. Lifeguard should be positioned to maintain 180 degree scanning of pool/zone at all times.
9. Be familiar with the entire aquatic environment and on each shift make sure all emergency equipment is available and ready for use.  Ensure that aquatic environment is free of obstructions and safe for participant use. 
10. Perform chemical checks when not guarding.
11. Staff must be at least 18 years of age to enter the pump room, and must be adequately trained to perform chemical related duties.
12. Enforce all pool rules with all patrons in a fair, polite, and consistent manner.
13. Responsible for maintaining all relative certifications.
14. Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
15. Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow branch Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
16. Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
17. Follow department Platinum Standards.
18. Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Aquatics Department and branch operations to ensure an excellent member experience.
 

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
 

Skills and Ability Requirements:

1. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints. 
2. Ability to pass lifeguard water test and meet requirements of ongoing drills.
3. Must be able to remain alert.
4. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
5. Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
6. Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
7. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
8. Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
 

Effect on End Results:

1. The membership growth and retention plan for the branch is achieved.
2. A high degree of member satisfaction is achieved as measured by Net Promoters.
3. A positive image of the YMCA is portrayed to members, staff, volunteers and the community.
4. A pleasant and comfortable working environment is maintained for all staff.
5. Relationships are strengthened through intentional interactions.
6. The facility will be safe, clean and an enjoyable place as measured by Q Checks and Risk Management Audits.
7. Superior quality standards are met as evidenced by department Platinum Score Results.
 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary. This job description is not a written or implied contract.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund.  Includes YMCA Adult Membership.