Lead Lifeguard

Kansas City YMCA; Parkville (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas City YMCA is seeking a Lifeguard to ensure the safety of members in the pool areas. This role involves monitoring safety, enforcing rules, and providing on-the-job training to fellow staff. Applicants should have or be willing to obtain necessary certifications, and enjoy the benefits of ongoing training and flexible scheduling.

Benefits

Ongoing training and recertification

Free YMCA membership to all centers

Flexible schedules

Opportunities for career advancement

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Minimum one year of experience as a certified Lifeguard.
• Current Lifeguard certification required or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Continuously scan the pool for safety.
• Complete safety and quick checks; document all inspections.
• Assist in interviewing, scheduling, and supervising staff.

Skills

Safety Monitoring

CPR/AED

Rescue Techniques

Education

Lifeguard Certification

CPR/AED Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Overview

Oversee the safety of members and program participants in the pool areas. Provide leadership to other aquatics team members under the guidance of the Aquatics Director.

$150 Sign-On Bonus

Lifeguard Certification

Applicants should hold a current lifeguard certification from an accredited organization (ASHI, Red Cross, Ellis, etc.) or we can assist with certification or recertification processes.

Other YMCA employment benefits:

• Ongoing training and recertification
• Free YMCA membership to all centers
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities for career advancement

*Sign-On Bonus is for new associates and paid in two increments after the first paycheck.

OUR CULTURE:

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are reflected in our culture. We are cause-driven, welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. We aim to show up with purpose, embrace individuality, believe in potential, support growth, and strengthen our community starting with you.

Responsibilities

• Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds), whirlpool, and sauna areas for safety.
• Maintain a high level of alertness at all times.
• Participate in videotaped safety audits and ongoing training.
• Complete 2 hours of in-service training monthly.
• Adapt to environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid conditions).
• Participate in ongoing training during operational hours (CPR checks, safety drills).
• Enforce all posted rules and safety regulations.
• Constantly monitor the pool with rescue equipment ready and accessible.
• Maintain a clutter-free pool deck and perform maintenance duties as assigned.
• Test and record pool chemical levels; report changes immediately.
• Handle opening, closing, and security reports.
• Ensure chlorinator is stocked and chemicals are added as directed.
• Maintain lap swim continuity and participant flow.
• Report unsafe conditions, repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.
• Complete safety and quick checks; document all inspections.
• Fill out all accident and incident reports thoroughly and submit to the Aquatics Director.
• Monitor staff in the pool area to ensure proper lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness in hallways and locker rooms.
• Participate in marketing and special events.
• Assist in departmental operations management.
• Lead monthly lifeguard in-service trainings if asked.
• Assist in interviewing, scheduling, and supervising staff.
• Help orient new lifeguard hires.
• Serve as aquatics on-call when needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Minimum one year of experience as a certified Lifeguard.
• Current nationally recognized Lifeguard Certification (e.g., YMCA, ARC, Starguard, Ellis, BSA) or willingness to obtain.
• Current CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification (e.g., AIH, ECSI, Red Cross) or willingness to obtain.
• Able to pass a physical competency test including:
• Treading water for 2 minutes.
• Swimming 250 yards using various strokes.
• Swimming to the bottom of a 9-12 ft pool.
• Sprinting 25 yards, retrieving an object, treading water with it, and climbing out without assistance.
• Performing 100 chest compressions on a mannequin.