Lead Lifeguard - Phifer

careers-catawba-ymca; Morganton (NC); On-site; USD 16,531 - 19,286; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement Contribution

Job summary

YMCA of Catawba Valley is seeking an Opening/Closing Lead Lifeguard to supervise lifeguard staff and serve as on-deck lead with the Aquatics Coordinator. You will help ensure a safe, welcoming environment for members each morning and evening.

Role requires 3+ years of lifeguarding and leadership experience, with strong knowledge of water safety, emergency response, and team mentorship. Evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts are included to support operations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum 3 years lifeguarding experience and demonstrated leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of water safety practices, emergency response, and lifeguard training techniques.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of lifeguards in a professional and effective manner.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support lifeguard staff, ensuring proper coverage and safety protocols.
• Act as the on-deck lead for incident response and policy enforcement.
• Monitor pool operations for safety compliance.
• Assist with in-service training, skills evaluations, and staff development.
• Perform advanced water rescues and lead emergency response as needed.
• Conduct daily safety checks of pool, equipment, and surroundings.

Skills

Lifeguard leadership

Water safety

Emergency response

Team mentoring

Communication

Job description

Overview

Be the leader who sets the tone for success! This role serves as both the Opening Lead Lifeguard, welcoming members and preparing the facility for a safe start at 6:00 AM, and the Closing Lead Lifeguard, ensuring a smooth and secure close each evening at 7:30 PM. Working alongside the Aquatics Coordinator, you'll play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional member experiences, supporting staff, and keeping daily operations running at their very best. Every shift is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a difference!

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support lifeguard staff, ensuring proper coverage, adherence to safety protocols, and professional conduct
• Act as the on-deck lead, assisting with incident response, emergency situations, and enforcing facility policies
• Monitor pool operations, ensuring compliance with YMCA and local health and safety standards
• Assist with in-service training sessions, skill evaluations, and ongoing development for lifeguards
• Perform advanced water rescues and provide leadership in emergency response situations as needed
• Conduct daily safety checks of the pool, equipment, and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment
• Communicate effectively with members, guests, and staff, handling concerns and ensuring a positive experience
• Support the Aquatics Director in scheduling, record-keeping, and operational duties as assigned
• Mentor and assist in onboarding new lifeguards, fostering a strong and cohesive team
• Uphold and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Summer seasonal positions typically work from May through September
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
• All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members

Candidates must tolerate background noise, meet a 25-decibel hearing threshold, and use hearing aids without interruption. They must remain alert, meet strength requirements, observe assigned areas, and use corrective eyewear without disruption.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
• Minimum 3 years lifeguarding experience and demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of water safety practices, emergency response, and lifeguard training techniques
• Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of lifeguards in a professional and effective manner
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to enforce policies while maintaining positive relationships
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations
• Familiarity with pool operations, risk management, and aquatic facility maintenance
• Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Passion for aquatic safety, leadership, and team development

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Catawba Valley.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a lead lifeguard role
• Supervisory experience.

Must complete the following trainings before working first shift and are to be renewed annually:

• Blood Borne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention
• Must successfully complete Adult Learning Concepts, Orientation to the YMCA training System, and Facilitation Skills for Trainers
• Must obtain YMCA Lifeguard Instructor within 9 months of employment
• Must obtain YMCA P.O.O.L. certification within 6 months of employment
• Must complete I Create Loyalty Training within 30 days of hire
• Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contribution

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Posted Salary Range

USD $12.00 - USD $14.00 /Hr.