Jr. Lifeguard - Peninsula Y

Kids for the Future; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater San Francisco is seeking a Jr. Lifeguard to help maintain safe pool operations and respond to emergencies in an indoor aquatics facility.

The role emphasizes cleanliness, professional conduct, and positive member interactions. Responsibilities include enforcing rules, assisting during emergencies, logging measurements, and promoting aquatics programs while working a part-time schedule with mornings/afternoons and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and 18+ lifeguard present when guarding.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification required.
• Current ARC CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) required.
• Current ARC First Aid certification required.
• Meets minimal physical requirements and vision standards.
• Ability to hear in aquatic environments and maintain alertness.
• Availability for early mornings, afternoons, and weekends.
• Ability to work with members, staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain constant supervision of the pool and occupants.
• Enforce pool rules and manage lap lanes for safety and inclusivity.
• Provide emergency support and notify contacts as needed.
• Open pool operations including safety checks and access control.
• Maintain pool and equipment cleanliness and safety.
• Record chemistry, temperature, inspections, and incidents as directed.
• Arrive on time in uniform with rescue equipment ready.
• Engage members, greet them by name, and promote aquatics programs.

Skills

Age requirement (16+)

Vision 20/20

Hearing ability

Emergency responsiveness

Flexibility (various shifts)

Team communication

Customer engagement

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)

ARC First Aid Certification

Job description

• Base Pay $19.50 - $20.00 / Hour
• Job Category Aquatics
• Employee Type Hourly - Part Time

Description

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old – Cannot guard alone, must have 18+ lifeguard present.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• Current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) [best practice is to renew annually]
• Current ARC First aid certification
• Meets minimal physical requirement of the job description.
• 20/20 vision or corrected 20/40 vision.
• The ability to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The ability to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• Availability for early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
• Ability to work effectively with members, staff, and volunteers

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages.

Summary

Position Summary

The Jr. Lifeguard position ensures the safety of the pool and surrounding areas and responds appropriately to emergencies. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the pool area, including the office, equipment room, and deck. Demonstrates a positive, approachable, and professional attitude towards members and staff. Upholds the values and mission of the YMCA by supporting programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Job Responsibilities

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain full attention on the pool and its occupants at all times.
• Enforce all pool rules consistently, including regulating lap lanes to ensure swimmers are in appropriate lanes and fostering an inclusive environment for all swimmers.
• Provide support during emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command.
• Complete additional opening tasks, such as testing Emergency Response systems, ensuring proper chemistry for safe opening of swimming pools, and unlocking all doors to ensure ADA access.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain the aquatics equipment and areas, including the office and supply areas, with a strong focus on cleanliness and safety.
• Report any facility problems or concerns to management, including issues with rescue equipment, fitness equipment, and other pool environmental concerns.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Record chemical readings, water temperature, pool inspections, accident/incident reports, participant statistics, and other details as instructed by your supervisor.

Professionalism and Preparedness

• Arrive on time for your shift, wearing the required uniform and having rescue equipment ready for use in case of an emergency or drill.
• Commit to working your scheduled shifts as outlined in the scheduling policy or find substitutes unless otherwise directed by your supervisor.
• Complete all required training and re-certifications in a timely manner.

Member Engagement and Communication

• Promote the YMCA’s Aquatics programming and familiarize yourself with the offerings available to members.
• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage with members and participants and effectively manage conflicts.
• Create a welcoming environment by greeting members and learning their names.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The Jr. Lifeguard position involves working primarily within an indoor aquatic facility, with occasional duties at an outdoor pool, ensuring the safety of all pool users. The role requires constant vigilance to monitor the pool area and its occupants, with a focus on responding promptly to emergencies. The Jr. Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization within the pool area, including the office, equipment room, and deck. The position demands physical stamina for enforcing safety rules, managing emergencies, and maintaining a safe environment. This includes the ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed. The Jr. Lifeguard must demonstrate a positive, approachable, and professional attitude while interacting with a diverse group of members and staff. The position requires adherence to safety protocols, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Exposure to varying weather conditions may occur when working at the outdoor pool. The role also requires the ability to perform lifeguarding duties, including water rescues and administering first aid as needed.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Jr. Lifeguard position offers a compensation range of $19.50 - $20.00 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.