Lifeguard

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is seeking a dedicated lifeguard to maintain safe swimming conditions across pool areas and surrounding spaces. The role requires vigilant supervision, quick decision-making, and strict adherence to YMCA safety policies.

Responsibilities include performing rescues, CPR, and first aid as needed, inspecting equipment, and reporting hazards. Strong communication with staff and members is essential to ensure a safe, welcoming environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold current lifeguard certification recognized by YMCA/ARC/BLS.
• Ability to perform rescue, CPR, and first aid according to YMCA standards.
• Strong observation skills and the ability to respond quickly in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe swimming conditions in pool, deck, and surrounding areas.
• Follow safety standards and policies for aquatic activities.
• Inspect equipment and ensure availability of required gear.
• Monitor aquatic area for hazards and report unsafe conditions to management.
• Engage with members to promote safety and positive experiences.

Skills

Lifeguard skills

Emergency response

Education

Lifeguard Certification (YMCA/ARC/BLS)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYMaintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSProgram DeliveryProvide continuous, uninterrupted scanning of pool and aquatic area.Follow Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301. Understand and consistently enforce safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.Use problem solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.Member EngagementMaintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.Administration & ComplianceReview all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Complete related reports as required.Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.Play an active role in continuing to identify ways to improve safety standards.Continuously monitor aquatic area for hazardous or unsafe conditions. Immediately report all hazardous or unsafe conditions to management and takes appropriate action.Successfully complete and pass periodic aquatic safety assessments.Sustain and demonstrate the listed physical demands below:Ability to perform the following:Tread water for 2 minutes (legs only)Swim 250 yards of front crawlSwim 50 yards of each:Front crawl with the head upBreaststrokeBreaststroke with the head upElementary backstroke kick with hands on the chestPerform a feet-first surface-dive in 8 to 10 feet of water (if branch facility accommodates). Then swim underwater for 15 feet.Starting in the shallow end of the water, sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet (if branch facility accommodates).Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface and tread water for at least one minute with legs only, replace the object back to the bottom of the pool where it was found.Swim the remaining length to end of pool, and hoist yourself out of water.Immediately begin CPR on an adult manikin for 2 minutes, stand and listen to directions from instructor.Sit for extended periods of time in an elevated chair. Must remain alert and focused on the entire zone of responsibility for extended periods of time, even under conditions of high heat and humidity, with no lapses in consciousness. Move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals. Must understand that significant background noise exists in all indoor and outdoor aquatic environments. o Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. Communicate with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency. Must be able to communicate verbally, including projecting their voice across distances; communicate swiftly and clearly with emergency personnel over the telephone and or in person; and effectively give and receive directions.Perform all rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills. o Act swiftly in an emergency and take action even when unsure whether a person is really in danger.Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.YMCA LEADERSHIP DISCIPLINES & COMPETENCIESThe Y’s Cause-Driven Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 leadership competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of cause-driven leadership:Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the communityCompetencies include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & VolunteerismBuilding Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needsCompetencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & InclusionLeading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the communityCompetencies include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project ManagementDeveloping & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impactCompetencies include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & OthersWhile all competencies are significant the following are critical to success in this position:CommunityInclusionDecision-MakingEmotional MaturityMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAGE: Minimum age of 16.MANDATORY CERTIFICATIONS: Current YMCA Lifeguarding, American Safety & Health Institute or American Red Cross or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer, Standard/Community First Aid certifications and Emergency Oxygen Administration.PROVISIONAL EXCEPTION:Candidate may be hired in advance of obtaining the above certifications provided they will be registered into a YMCA Lifeguard V6 course within 30 days of hire, have participated in an interview, and passed the pre-employment skills assessment.Lifeguarding shifts may be scheduled only after certifications are in-hand and approved in SafetyZone. o Certified American Red Cross Lifeguards must obtain YMCA Lifeguarding Certification within 90 days of hire.RELATED EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years lifeguard experience preferred.SPECIALIZED SKILLS: Ability to maintain required certification; Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSYou must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.Lifeguards under the age of 18 must always work alongside an on-duty Lifeguard over the age of 18.Req# 4210