Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Grandville (MI); On-site; USD 22,206 - 27,758; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Membership

12% employer 403(b) contribution

Paid sick time

Professional growth opportunities

EAP – counseling resources

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is seeking Lifeguards to guard our aquatic facilities and ensure the safety of pool occupants and program participants. You will help create a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.

Shifts include early morning, daytime, afternoon, evening, and weekends. This is a part-time, non‑exempt position (up to 25 hours per week) with pay from $16.12 to $20.15 per hour, plus benefits such as a free YMCA membership, retirement plan, sick time, and

Qualifications

• High school education required.
• Ability to interact with people of all backgrounds.
• Must be at least 18 years old and YMCA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Enforce aquatic rules and procedures.
• Keep the deck free of obstructions and maintain a clean, presentable environment.
• Maintain supervision of participants and administer first aid and CPR as needed.
• Handle parent or member complaints.
• Maintain pool count and record temperatures and chemicals.
• Enforce showers and attire policies.
• Follow safety standards and emergency procedures.
• Ensure Michigan health requirements are met.
• Perform other duties to support YMCA operations.

Job description

Description

We offer in‑house, American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification sessions, with upcoming courses available.

Position Summary

The Lifeguard is responsible for guarding the aquatic facility and/or aquatic activities to secure the safety of pool occupants and program participants. The Lifeguard will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.

Shift Requirements

We are seeking lifeguards for early morning, daytime, afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts based on operational needs. Our pools are open seven days a week, so staff are required to work at least one full shift a week and one weekend shift a month to ensure fair coverage.

Essential Functions

• Enforce aquatic rules and procedures.
• Keep the deck free of obstructions and maintain a clean, presentable environment.
• Maintain supervision of participants and administer necessary first aid and CPR.
• Handle parent/member complaints.
• Maintain pool count and check/record pool temperature, air temperature, and chemicals.
• Enforce policies on showers and proper attire.
• Follow safety standards and emergency procedures.
• Ensure State of Michigan Department of Health requirements are met.
• Perform any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $16.12 – $20.15 per hour; Part‑time; Non‑Exempt (up to 25 hours per week).

• Free YMCA Individual Membership – enjoy full access to facilities.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer contribution to a 403(b) plan.
• Paid sick time.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free, confidential counseling resources.

Requirements

High school education; up to one month of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Employee must be at least 18 years of age or older. YMCA experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (required, offered in‑house at no cost).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for rescue (required).
• First Aid certification required within the first 60 days.
• AED‑Oxygen certification required within the first 60 days.
• Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHT).
• Lifeguard Instructor certification (preferred).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone of responsibility.

Travel

0‑5% local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out‑of‑state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.