Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Kansas City; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free training and certification

Ongoing training and recertification

Free YMCA membership

Flexible schedules

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Kansas City is seeking a Lifeguard to monitor pool areas, protect swimmers, and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for members and guests in Kansas City, KS. No experience required; free training and certification are provided, and a YMCA membership is included.

Responsibilities include active surveillance, following emergency procedures, maintaining records, performing equipment checks, and ensuring safe depth and chemical testing.

Qualifications

• Be at least 16 years old.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Pass a physical competency for Lifeguard or Shallow Water Lifeguard certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain active pool surveillance and protect swimmers.
• Follow emergency procedures and report incidents promptly.
• Ensure safety rules are applied and maintain records as required.
• Perform equipment checks and chemical testing when not guarding.

Skills

CPR

First Aid

Emergency Oxygen

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!

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

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

Responsibilities

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures; completes related reports as required.
• Know how to prevent and handle emergencies in entry-level shallow water of six feet or less.
• Maintains effective and positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training.
• Responsible for appropriate child‑adult ratios and group sizes.
• Assists in maintaining cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures and securing doors.
• Report to duty 10 minutes before shift and secure a substitute if necessary and with proper notification.
• Knows how to prevent and handle emergencies at all water depths of the facility.

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 or Shallow Water certification. Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and certification!
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following for Lifeguard certification:
• 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.
• Or be able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following for Shallow Water Lifeguard certification:
• Swim‑Tread‑Swim Sequence
• Swim 50 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, floating, or a combination of both.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
• Timed Event
• Must be completed in 50 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 feet to retrieve a 10‑pound object.
• Return to the surface and walk or 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 out at or near the surface.