Jr. Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free individual membership

Program discounts

Retirement contribution options

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off for 20+ hours

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is seeking a Junior Lifeguard (age 15) to support the Aquatics team and learn lifeguard readiness skills in a supervised setting. This paid role provides practical experience, mentorship from lifeguards, and leadership development while preparing for lifeguard certification at age 16.

You will assist with deck duties, monitor pool safety, and participate in training to build confidence in water safety, teamwork, and YMCA values.

Qualifications

• Must be 15 years old and eligible to obtain lifeguard certification by age 16.
• Strong swimmer; pass swim assessment.
• Reliable, safety-minded; able to follow supervision and safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified lifeguards with deck support and safety monitoring.
• Support swim lessons and aquatic programs.
• Participate in lifeguard readiness training and emergency procedure practice.
• Maintain a clean and safe pool environment.

Skills

Strong swimmer

Responsible

Team player

Safety minded

Education

CPR-PR/AED

Oxygen Administration

Standard First Aid

Job description

Junior Lifeguard (Age 15)Ready to turn your love of the water into leadership experience?The YMCA Junior Lifeguard program is a paid, structured development opportunity designed for 15-year-olds who want to begin preparing for lifeguard certification at age 16.This is your first step toward becoming a certified lifeguard — while learning responsibility, teamwork, and safety awareness in a supervised environment.What You’ll DoAs a Junior Lifeguard, you will:Assist certified lifeguards with deck support and safety monitoringHelp maintain a clean and safe pool environmentSupport swim lessons and aquatic programsParticipate in lifeguard readiness training sessionsPractice water safety and emergency response fundamentalsModel YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibilityJunior Lifeguards are always scheduled with certified staff and are never assigned independent lifeguard duties.What You’ll GainReal-world job experience at age 15Mentorship from experienced lifeguardsLeadership and communication skillsStrong foundation for lifeguard certification at age 16Confidence in safety awareness and teamworkOur Commitment to SafetyThe YMCA is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants and staff. Junior Lifeguards:Work under direct supervision of certified lifeguardsAre never scheduled aloneComplete required safety and abuse prevention trainingFollow all YMCA safety and professional conduct policiesWhy the YMCA?At the YMCA, we believe young people can lead. This role helps you build the skills, responsibility, and confidence to grow into a future lifeguard and community leader.POSITION SUMMARYThe Jr. Lifeguard, working as part of the Aquatics team, will deliver world-class customer service and relationship building skills to create a welcoming environment at the YMCA. The Jr. Lifeguard will be responsible for assisting in guarding the pool and assuring a safe and clean aquatic environment for members and guests. The incumbent will also exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.OUR PATHFor 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSAlways maintain pool safety; guard using YMCA approved techniques and procedures including dismissing participants for disruptive behaviorsPerform chemical checks as indicatedWear protective gear when handling biohazard materialsProactively clean up and/or repair areas used by the programReport all accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately using proper formsRemain current on Lifeguard Certification, CPR Pro, First Aid and other safety certification trainingEducate participants on pool rules and enforce rules as requiredBe knowledgeable and supportive of the YMCA annual support campaign, and general procedures and policies, including personnel guidelines, facility access procedures, membership policies, and emergency plansWORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDSFrequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger to handle or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hearExposed to wet and humid conditions, outdoor weather conditions including direct UV sun rays, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and potentially explosive materialsRegularly lift and/or move up to 50-100 poundsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focusDISCLAIMERThe YMCA of Metropolitan Denver reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENTThe YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.YMCA CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENTThe YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.QUALIFICATIONSMust be 15 years oldStrong swimmer (swim assessment required)Responsible, attentive, and eager to learnComfortable following safety protocols and supervision standardsAbility to work limited, age-appropriate hours in accordance with Colorado youth employment guidelinesCPR-PR/AED, Oxygen Administration, and Standard First Aid or ability to obtain before hireAmerican Red Cross/YMCA Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain before hireBENEFITSFree individual membershipProgram discountsGenerous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is metEmployee Assistance ProgramAccrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours workedPaid Time off for those scheduled and working 20+ per week