Head Lifeguard - Fairfield YMCA

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading nonprofit organization as a Head Lifeguard, where you will ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in a supportive environment. In this vital role, you will oversee the lifeguard team, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped to respond to emergencies while promoting a culture of care and respect. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community by providing high-quality aquatics programs and fostering member engagement. If you are passionate about safety, leadership, and community service, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with two years’ experience as certified lifeguard.
• Must hold and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Models YMCA core values and performs all lifeguard responsibilities.
• Coordinates training and ensures lifeguards are current on certifications.
• Responds to emergencies and maintains a safe pool environment.

Skills

Lifeguard Skills

Effective Communication

Emergency Response

Safety Awareness

Education

Lifeguard Certification

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Head Lifeguard maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals. Providing lead supervision for Lifeguards, the Head Lifeguard assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and Association policies in accordance with their training. This results in cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined while also managing high-quality, member-focused aquatics programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Performs all lifeguard responsibilities including monitoring pool activities, applying first aid, and performing water rescues as necessary.
• Orients new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities. Ensures that all lifeguards are current on their certifications and perform in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
• Assists with the scheduling of lifeguards to ensure that adequate coverage of pool areas is maintained during operating hours. Fills in for lifeguards as necessary and remains on duty until shift changes are complete.
• Coordinates and conducts in-service training ensuring full competency in first aid, CPR, and all water rescue techniques.
• Administers pool chemical tests, as assigned, and responds to results in accordance with branch procedures.
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to swimmers, and remains aware of pool surroundings and participants in the pool.
• Responds to emergencies in accordance with the branch’s emergency plan and follow it accordingly in an emergency.
• Collaborates with branch leadership to maintain knowledge of all pool maintenance and provides an effective interface with members to resolve issues and provide effective feedback for same.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on aquatics programs, schedules, and member engagement.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Actively participates in all staff meetings, branch and/or Association events and trainings.

• Must be at least 18 years old with two (2) years’ experience as certified lifeguard
• Must hold and maintain YMCA, Red Cross, or equivalent lifeguard certification
• Must hold and maintain CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Oxygen for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid certifications
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards
• Must successfully complete a swimming and physical skills test upon hire, and annually according to CCC YMCA parameters
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support members and staff
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency