Aquatics Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Seattle; Shoreline (WA); On-site; USD 29,342 - 31,684; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Mental health resources

Paid time off

Childcare discounts

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is seeking a lifeguard to maintain safe swimming conditions and set a welcoming, safety‑focused tone for kids and families. You will monitor the pool, enforce rules, respond to emergencies, perform safety checks, and support YMCA policies and procedures.

We hire for part-time and full-time roles, provide benefits including medical/dental/vision/life, retirement contributions, PTO, and staff discounts.

Qualifications

• We can facilitate Lifeguard certification if needed.
• 16 years of age or older for part-time and 18 years or older for full-time.
• Current lifeguard certification from a recognized organization (e.g., Red Cross).
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
• Current Administering Emergency Oxygen Certification.
• Strong swimming abilities.
• Must be observant and able to react calmly and quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe swimming conditions in pool, deck, and surrounding areas, enforcing health and safety rules.
• Rescue distressed persons and administer first aid/CPR as needed.
• Perform equipment checks and report problems promptly.
• Provide excellent customer service to members, participants, and guests.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform pool-side chemical testing.
• Set up and store equipment for recreational swims.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong swimming abilities

Observant in emergencies

Customer service

Team collaboration

Education

Lifeguard certification

CPR/AED and First Aid certifications

Administering Emergency Oxygen Certification

Job description

Our Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Job Summary

This is an on‑site position. Lifeguards need to have a keen eye for safety and set the tone for a safe environment for kids and families. They play a key role in supporting our safety standards – in the water and on the deck, as a first responder in emergencies, maintaining safety equipment, and serving on an engaged and dynamic team. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

What You’ll Get From Working At The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contributions
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp and outdoor leadership programs – 25% for part‑time staff, 50% for full‑time staff
• Some benefits only available to full‑time staff

Hiring Range

$21.30 - $23.00 per hour, DOE.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, on deck, and surrounding areas. Prevent accidents by maintaining constant observation of the pool area, enforcing health and safety rules, and maintaining emergency readiness. May perform duties related to opening or closing the pool.
• Rescue distressed persons and examine injured persons. Administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training, rescue techniques, medical supplies, and equipment.
• Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available, as needed, and promptly report any problems.
• Provide great customer service to members, program participants and guests at all times.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform pool side chemical testing.
• Set up and store equipment for recreational swims.
• Other duties as assigned.

Effect on End Results

Pool, deck and surrounding areas are maintained ensuring safety for program participants.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements. Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

• We can facilitate the Lifeguard certification process if you do not yet hold certifications.
• 16 years of age or older for part‑time and 18 years of age or older for full‑time.
• Current lifeguard certification from a recognized organization (e.g., Red Cross).
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
• Current Administering Emergency Oxygen Certification.
• Strong swimming abilities.
• Must be observant and able to react calmly, quickly and with good judgment in an emergency.
• Ability to maintain certification‑level of physical and mental readiness.
• Ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.

You’ll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you

• Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.
• Are very adaptable.
• Have high ownership and strong work ethic.
• Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.
• Truly enjoy being of service to people.
• Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.
• Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Core Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

Equal Opportunity Statement

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E‑Verify system.