Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free training and lifeguard cert

Ongoing training and recertification

Free YMCA membership

Flexible schedules

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is seeking a Lifeguard to protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and foster a welcoming environment for members and visitors. Free training and lifeguard certification are provided, with shifts Tue–Fri evenings and weekend blocks, offering flexible scheduling and opportunities for advancement.

No prior experience is required; the YMCA supports you with ongoing training and a free center membership, helping you grow within a values‑driven, community‑focused team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Able to work with diverse groups in a friendly and consistent manner.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certification required or provided by YMCA.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pool, whirlpool, and sauna areas to maintain safe conditions.
• Maintain constant alertness during shifts and follow safety procedures.
• Open and close facilities and support lap swim operations.
• Enforce posted rules and respond to incidents or safety concerns.
• Participate in ongoing training and safety audits as required.

Skills

Team player

Communication

Education

CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard certification

Job description

Overview

Be the reason someone feels safe in the water. As a YMCA Lifeguard, you'll protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and create a positive, welcoming space for members and visitors. Don’t have certification yet? No problem - we provide free training and lifeguard certification!**

Available Shifts: Mon-Fri 5p-9p and/or Sat & Sun 1p-5p

No Experience Required

Benefits

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

OUR CULTURE

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It's who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. 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.

**Candidates who are not certified may be hired at at a $15.00 training rate then increased after becoming certified.

Responsibilities

• Models the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility; implements character development and the YMCA core values in all programs and all aspects of center operations.
• Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds), whirlpool and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions.
• Must maintain high level of alertness at all times.
• Staff may be videotaped for safety audit purposes and ongoing training.
• Will be required to complete 2 hours of in-service training a month.
• Position may require environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
• Will be required to participate in ongoing training that will be held during operational hours (operational mannequin drops, pool safety checks, CPR checks).
• Enforce all posted rules and any other rules that are required to ensure the safety of all participants.
• Must constantly watch the pool and have a rescue tube, whistle, emergency button, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available at all times, actively scanning 10 x 10. Lifeguard is not to do secondary duties in place of scanning their zone of protection.
• Make sure that the pool deck is free of clutter and perform all maintenance duties assigned by Aquatic Director.
• Test pool chemical levels and report changes to Aquatics Director immediately.
• Fill out all Y accident and incident reports completely and turn into the Aquatics Director.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining the continuity of lap swim and moving participants accordingly.
• Must be able to be a team player with all staff.
• Must notify appropriate staff of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certification. Don't have certification yet? No problem - we provide free training and certification!
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following:
  • Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (without stopping to rest)
    • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
    • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs
    • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both
  • Timed Event
    • Must be completed in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
    • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.