Head Lifeguard - Arnold (Greater Annapolis) (Full-time)

The Y in Central Maryland; Arnold (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus up to $400

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland is seeking a Head Lifeguard to lead a safe, welcoming aquatic environment and oversee lifeguards and swim instructors. You will manage daily pool operations, safety compliance, and emergency response while supporting program quality and member engagement.

This hands-on leadership role emphasizes staff development, scheduling coordination, and delivering high-quality aquatic experiences.

Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Current Oxygen Administration certification or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification or ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
• Current Pool Operator certification.
• Ability to successfully complete the Y in Central Maryland swim test.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the aquatic positions being supervised.
• At least two years of YMCA, aquatics, or related program experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
• Strong communication, customer-service, organization, and computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Completion of required new-associate training, including Child Abuse Prevention, before the first scheduled shift.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and support to lifeguards and swim instructors.
• Assist with scheduling, coverage, coaching, and staff evaluations.
• Monitor pool operations and ensure compliance with Y safety standards and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, and unusual situations.
• Lead or support in-service training, skill evaluations, and associate development.
• Maintain accurate rosters, enrollment information, incident reports, and other required records.
• Communicate professionally with members, participants, parents, and associates.
• Coordinate pool space, equipment, and resources for lessons, programs, and events.
• Monitor program quality and ensure swim programs follow approved standards and practices.
• Promote aquatic programs and support member participation and retention.
• Participate in organizational initiatives, including the Y’s annual support campaign.
• Perform Lifeguard or Swim Instructor duties when coverage or program needs require.
• Model the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

CPR/AED certification

First Aid certification

Oxygen Administration certification

Lifeguard Instructor certification

Pool Operator certification

Swim test completion

Supervisory experience

YMCA/aquatics experience

Communication skills

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

• Sign-On Bonus up to $400**

How This Role Contributes To The Y’s Mission

As a Head Lifeguard, you will help lead a safe, welcoming, and high-quality aquatic experience for members, participants, and families. You will support lifeguards and swim instructors, oversee daily pool operations, and ensure Y safety and program standards are consistently followed.

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines staff supervision, member engagement, program support, and direct lifeguarding or swim instruction when needed.

This Work Is Right For You If You

• Are a confident and dependable aquatic professional.
• Enjoy coaching associates and helping teams succeed.
• Can make sound decisions and remain calm during emergencies.
• Communicate clearly with associates, members, and families.
• Can balance safety, service, scheduling, and program needs.
• Lead by example and are willing to provide direct coverage when needed.
• Are organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

Essential Functions

• Provide daily leadership and support to lifeguards and swim instructors.
• Assist with scheduling, coverage, coaching, and staff evaluations.
• Monitor pool operations and ensure compliance with Y safety standards and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, and unusual situations.
• Lead or support in-service training, skill evaluations, and associate development.
• Maintain accurate rosters, enrollment information, incident reports, and other required records.
• Communicate professionally with members, participants, parents, and associates.
• Coordinate pool space, equipment, and resources for lessons, programs, and events.
• Monitor program quality and ensure swim programs follow approved standards and practices.
• Promote aquatic programs and support member participation and retention.
• Participate in organizational initiatives, including the Y’s annual support campaign.
• Perform Lifeguard or Swim Instructor duties when coverage or program needs require.
• Model the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Earn Up To $400 in New-Hire Bonuses*

Head Lifeguards With a Current And Valid Lifeguard Certification May Be Eligible To Earn Up To $400 Total Through The Following Incentives

$100 Sign-On Bonus

The $100 bonus is earned after the Head Lifeguard:

• Accepts the position and completes all required onboarding and training.
• Remains actively employed for at least 30 calendar days.
• Maintains a current and valid Lifeguard certification.
• Works at least two priority shifts per week during the eligibility period.

$300 Retention Bonus

The additional $300 bonus is earned after the Head Lifeguard:

• Remains actively employed for at least 90 calendar days. The initial 30 days count toward this requirement.
• Maintains a current and valid Lifeguard certification.
• Continues to work at least two priority shifts per week during the eligibility period.

Priority shifts include opening, closing, and weekend shifts. Bonus eligibility will be confirmed after all employment, certification, training, and scheduling requirements are verified. Bonuses are subject to applicable payroll withholdings.

Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Current Oxygen Administration certification or ability to obtain it within 30 days of hire.
• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification or ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
• Current Pool Operator certification.
• Ability to successfully complete the Y in Central Maryland swim test.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the aquatic positions being supervised.
• At least two years of YMCA, aquatics, or related program experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
• Strong communication, customer-service, organization, and computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Completion of required new-associate training, including Child Abuse Prevention, before the first scheduled shift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to complete required swim tests, certifications, rescues, and emergency-response activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and remain in or around the pool for extended periods.
• Ability to move aquatic equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor aquatic environments that may be warm, humid, wet, or cold.

Compensation

The anticipated pay range for this position is $16.90–$23.67 per hour. Placement within the range will be based on relevant experience, education, qualifications, and internal equity.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.