Lifeguard

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lifeguard position at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston maintains a safe environment, enforces pool rules, and follows emergency procedures. It requires strong judgment and the ability to work with a diverse youth population. The role reports to the Aquatics Program Manager and supports youth development.

Responsibilities include supervising swimmers, responding to emergencies, assisting with pool maintenance, and enforcing policies with clear communication. Oct 2026 start in Dorchester, MA.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years of age.
• Experience as a Lifeguard.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• LGI/WSI/CPO certifications or willingness to obtain for higher positions.
• Experience supervising or supporting other guards.
• Knowledge of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and enforce pool rules in accordance with safety regulations.
• Vigilantly observe swimmers to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with standards.
• Know and implement aquatic emergency procedures; perform rescues when needed.
• Administer first aid and CPR according to established protocols.
• Assist with pool maintenance and area cleanliness as needed.
• Communicate safety practices clearly to swimmers and families.
• Collaborate with the Aquatics Program Manager and BGCB staff.

Skills

Experience as lifeguard

Interpersonal communication

Youth development principles

Work with diverse youth/families

Team player

LGI/WSI/CPO certifications

Education

Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid

Job description

Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston have played an essential role in opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across this city. For every youth in Boston and Chelsea, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston are a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment that enables future talent to reach their full individual potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community. By reaching 22 of 23 communities throughout Boston and Chelsea, no other youth serving organization engages more young people and families. Learn more at www.bgcb.org and join us in transforming our members, our communities, our city!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lifeguard position at Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston maintains a safe environment, enforces all pool rules and follows all required emergency procedures. Lifeguards ensure the safety of all swimmers by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors. The individual in this role will need to be able to solve on-the-job issues by utilizing effective critical thinking and decision-making skills and possess the ability to work with diverse populations. Lifeguards must be able to enforce pool and facility policies and be able to communicate effectively why policies are in place. The position reports to the Aquatics Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Commitment to Safety and Excellence

• Along with Aquatics Program Manager (Head Lifeguard), assist in maintaining a safe environment in accordance with all safety regulations and standards
• Vigilantly observe swimmers to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Know all aquatics emergency procedures and enforce all pool rules, including performing rescues in the event of accidents, using appropriate life saving techniques
• Administer first aid and CPR as needed, following established protocols for emergencies.

Technical and Professional Knowledge

• Proficient swimming ability and physical fitness to perform rescues and patrol the aquatics area.
• Maintain safe and clean aquatics program area, including assisting Aquatics Program Manager (Head Lifeguard) with pool maintenance and cleaning as needed.
• Secure and maintain materials, equipment and other resources belonging to the aquatics program area.

Aquatics Programming and Behavior Management

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities, including assistance with swim lessons for various age groups.
• Assist in the supervision and discipline of campers participating in programs and services within the program area as well as throughout the clubhouse (as deemed appropriate).
• Participate in various evaluation efforts throughout each program year, including the annual member survey.

Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork

• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively inform and instruct swimmers about safety practices.
• Participate in collaborative programs, events and field trips with staff from other clubhouse groups, staff from other BGCB clubhouses and community organizations as appropriate.
• Other related duties as specified by the Aquatics Program Manager.

GENERAL BGCB EXPECTATIONS

• Teaching youth/teens the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle is a BGCB priority. As a result, all staff are expected to model healthy behavior while working with our members.
• BGCB values creating child-friendly environments, where youth/teens of all abilities can be successful and participate. BGCB expects employees to embrace its focus on inclusion of all members, regardless of disability or developmental challenge.
• Building the capacity of staff is central to BGCB. The organization encourages and requires that all staff participate in annual professional development opportunities that continue to cultivate their skills in the youth development field.
• Every staff member shares the responsibility for ensuring BGCB is, and remains, an environment free of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18+ years of age

Teen Associate Lifeguards (16+) must always be on duty with an adult (18+) certified lifeguard

• Experience as a Lifeguard
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certifications
• Knowledge of youth development principles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required
• Ability to work with youth and families from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• LGI (Lifeguard Instructor), WSI (Water Safety Instructor) and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications (must have or be willing to obtain for positions above standard Lifeguard position)
• Experience supervising or supporting other guards (must have for positions above standard Lifeguard position)

TRAVEL

Travel between sites and to activities as needed

START DATE

October 2026 (desired start date yet position open until filled)

LOCATION

Dorchester, MA (Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club)

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary - $22-$27/hr - commensurate with experience - sign-on bonus of $500 for new lifeguards, and pay for LG certification/recertification for qualified candidates/current lifeguards. A candidate will be deemed qualified if they have successfully completed an interview and passed the BGCB Lifeguard Assessment.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health choices, marital status, age, pregnancy, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities. Please visit our website at

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.